tegk68

How are you doing Wendy? Have been thinking of you lots

Good post Cycas and kind of what I was trying to say in a VERY round about way Thank you.

Thanks for your post maria , I think I'm living in cloud cuckoo land. Well a free vote for all MPs and Peers (if it happens) - better hope that for those who have made Fox Hunting their priority in this election have voted in the right MP in their constituency (and that doesn't necessarily mean not voting for a Tory is a good choice as conservative MP's that don't wish to repeal the ban do unbelievably exist - see below!). My only other comment, and going off topic, is how disappointing the Fox Hunting Ban has been in that the infrastructure of Hunts up and down the Country still survives and thrives to this day but that alone is no reason to repeal a ban. I think all foxes should pack up and move to the Towns and cities. It would save everyone, them included, a lot of heartache.... Newly elected Conservative MP's that have pledged that they are AGAINST a repeal of the Fox Hunting Ban: David Amess MP (Southend W) John Randall MP (Uxbridge) David Evennett MP (Bexleyheath & Crayford) Simon Kirby MP (Brighton Kemptown) Bernard Jenkin MP (Harwich & North Essex) Mike Weatherley MP (Hove & Portslade) Lee Scott MP (Ilford North) Nicola Blackwood MP (Oxford West & Abingdon) Roger Gale MP (North Thanet) Mark Reckless MP (Rochester & Strood) Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford) Dr Sarah Wollaston MP (Totnes) Richard Harrington MP (Watford) Esther McVey MP (Wirral West) Unelected Conservative MP's that have pledged that they are AGAINST a repeal of the Fox Hunting Ban: Gary Ridley (Coventry North West) Kevin Foster (Coventry South) Gary Mulvaney (Argyll & Bute) Andrew Gilbert (Birkenhead) Charlotte Vere (Brighton Pavilion) Karen Robson (Cardiff Central) Ken Andrew (Carshalton & Wallington) Andrew Charalambous (Edmonton) David Gold (Eltham) Ruth Davidson (Glasgow North East) Dr Rachel Joyce (Harrow West) George Lee (Holborn & St Pancras) Diana Coad (Slough) Philippa Stroud (Sutton & Cheam) Marcus Wood (Torbay) Leah Fraser (Wallasey) Newly elected non conservative MP's that have pledged that they are FOR a repeal of the Fox Hunting Ban: Simon Hughes MP Lib Dem (Bermondsey & Old Southwark) Nick Harvey MP Lib Dems (Devon North) Tim Farron MP Lib Dem (Westmorland & Lonsdale) Ian Mearns MP Labour (Gateshead) Jeremy Browne MP Lib Dem (Taunton Deane) Kate Hoey MP Labour (Vauxhall) Adrian Sanders MP Lib Dems (Torbay) The above is taken from here http://www.save-me.o...how-they-stand/ and only around 20% or less of all Prospective Parlimentary Candidates provided either a 'For' or 'Against' answer.

Well it's not a given at all that even if it there was a tory majority, and they put fox hunting to a vote, which is what they have said they will do, that the outcome will support a return of fox hunting at all. Plus the fact a vote on fox hunting would be so very low down their list that it might not even make it to the top during a first term in office anyway - but of course the conservatives are not the leading party anyway. Hope I don't need to eat my words above.... Can I also add, that as I voted conservatives for many good reasons (obviously my opinon ) this does not mean I in anyway support fox hunting. And in case anyone is interested there is a good website for tory voting people like me http://www.conservat...foxhunting.com/

wow. I would have preferred any party and I mean ANY party to have won outright than what we've got now. Am also rather nervous at the prospect of another election ....ugh

Yes, as "Even A Dog Could Run This Country Better Party" PS. The rosettes actually say "2nd" on them

I'm so sorry to hear this Rest in peace you beautiful girl

that is just horrific

"In cases where a voter has two or more dogs and will struggle to control them while casting their ballot, polling station staff may hold the dogs' leads", as below :

Well the bull terrier voted conservatives today (but only because there was a biscuit in it - they are very fickle )

Oh Cycas that is BRILLIANT LMAO!

Look here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2960434/Can-you-give-Aero-a-home.html?offset=3 Many thanks to Dogsblog.com who chose him from his entry I submitted to them the other day. How good is that?

I couldn't agree more Alex. Lets all hope that whoever gets in can lead us through the dark days ahead

Just as an aside on fox hunting I believe out of the three main parties it is ONLY Labour who have categorically pledged to keep the Hunting Ban, the lib dems rather sitting on the fence on this. If this is your main issue then I think you need to look at all your local candidates and see where they stand on this and vote accordingly, otherwise I guess you could unwittingly vote in a 'supporter'.

As a small (v small) business then I feel I am better under the Tories. I like the fact that they will also scrap children tax credits for those earning 50K plus - I have always felt that was hugely unfair and a waste of tax payers money. It should be for those on lower incomes only. I also am pro scraping inheritance tax - you've worked all your life to provide for your children and hopefully leave them something when you die; you've been taxed enough, why on earth should you be taxed again on your deathbed!? All of the votematch Q's I've done online put me as a firm conservative voter. Fox hunting is just not high enough on my agenda. Animal welfare here and abroad as a whole is and I just don't think any of the Parties sufficently cover this, and certainly not enough to distinguish between one and another. I have been impressed with Lib Dem but I see holes appearing in their policies and I just don't have the confidence in them to vote them in - they didn't expect to be in the position they are, maybe next time .... Whoever gets in will have a dreadful time ahead and I don't envy them. It was announced today that the UK deficit is far worse than annouced previously by the current Treasurer. God help us!

Couldn't agree more. TBH it is NOT in the landowners interest to allow irresponsible people to shoot on his land. Believe me it really isn't because the ramifications are huge. When you Lamp Cycas you can easilly ID a fox, the light is that bright and no one should shoot without a scope on their gun. There should never be any ambiguity, ever. It is not done on eye colour reflection and should never be done so. Safety is paramount and that includes NEVER shooting towards any built up areas ever. The quarry should be out in the open to ensure easy ID and a clean kill not obstructed by any foliage etc and also not on the horizon where you can not guarentee what is in the back drop. Doubtless there are probably some idiots out there but then isn't that sadly the case for all things in life :-( I hate bringing 'class' into any discussion because I hate the so called 'class system' full stop, however I will say that you would be very suprised at how many 'ordinary folk' follow and take part in hunting and are passionate about it. It is far from a sport just for the rich, just as shooting, fishing and other field sports are.... All that said I stick with my first post in that I firmly believe hunting not to be the best method for population control.

Where in the UK is this boy Mrs Mop?

Wiltshire Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue are holding a Staffy Sunday on 16th of May and you are all invited ;-) There will be: - BBQ - Free Staffy Training and Advice - Fun Stafford Games - Stafford Agility - Staffy Dash - Staffy Shop Lots and Lots of fun!!! The event will be opened by Prince Patchy at 11am Date: Sunday 16th May 2010 Time: 11.10am - 3:10pm Location: Parsonage Farm, Collingbourne Kingston, Wiltshire SN8 3SD Even if you haven't got a staffy, you are welcome to come ;-) More information here http://www.wsbtr.org and on the Facebook Page here: http://www.facebook....42013628&ref=mf Would be VERY grateful to anyone who cross posts this

Ruby's previous owner failed to give her the care and attention that a puppy requires, which resulted in Ruby getting Demodex Mange. This has now been treated and she is fully clear. She was also a very nervous dog which resulted in her wetting herself. She was also underweight. Ruby has now overcome all these problems and is now a very happy Stafford, who will do anything to please. she loves going for walks and playing ball. Sex: Bitch Age: 1 years old Temperament: Happy & friendly, full of life. Ruby enjoys the company of people and has socialised well with other dogs & bitches, neutered, spayed and entire on and off lead. Neutered: Yes Micro chipped: Yes Vaccinated: Yes Wormed: Yes Spot-on treatment: Yes Health: Sound. Training: Undergoing basic obedience training. Notes: She mixes well with other dogs when out and is a 'little sweetheart'. If you feel you are able to give this lovely girl the home she deserves, then please complete the on-line adoption form, which can be found on www.wsbtr.org. Re home areas: Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Oxfordshire, Hampshire plus other areas in the South and South West considered. Contact: Wiltshire Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, in the first instance, please complete our online adoption form here http://www.wsbtr.org/quotes.htm

Jessie is fantastic little Staffordshire Bull Terrier Bitch, she has been signed over to WSBTR as her owner was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident two months ago. Jessie is 11 months old, and as you can see, full of life! She has just joined us and will be being assessed over the next few weeks. She does require some additional training. Sex: Bitch Age: Nearly 1yo Temperament: Energetic - Temperament test results to be advised Neutered: Pending but will be spayed before being rehomed Micro chipped: Pending but will be microchipped before being rehomed Vaccinated: Due 28th June 2010 Wormed: Yes Spot-on treatment: Advocate 12 April 2010 Health: Sound. Training: Undergoing basic obedience training. Notes: Jessie will suit a very energetic house hold and preferably a family that likes out door pursuits such as running and cycling. If you think you could provide a loving home for Jessie please complete the on-line adoption form which can be found on www.wsbtr.org. Re home areas: Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Oxfordshire, Hampshire plus other areas in the South and South West considered. Contact: Wiltshire Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, in the first instance, please complete our online adoption form here http://www.wsbtr.org/quotes.htm

As many of you will know by now, the fabulous Patchy came into Wiltshire Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue (WSBTR) under the most distressing circumstances. He continues to make good progress and has amazed everyone at WSBTR and our friends with his thirst for life and his good nature. We are starting to look for his new adoptive family now to ensure that Patchy's finds the best new owners he possibly can. Sex: Dog Age: Nearly 3yo Temperament: Happy & friendly dog, enjoys the company of people and has socialised with other dogs & bitches, neutered/spayed and entire on and off lead Neutered:12 April 2010 Micro chipped: 12 April 2010 Vaccinated: 25 April 2010 Wormed: Drontal 18 March 2010 Spot-on treatment: Advocate 18 March 2010 and 11 April 2010 Health: In convalescence, recovering from chronic emaciation and dehydration. Training: Undergoing basic obedience training and working towards his KC GCDS Bronze Award. Notes: Patchy is one of the most gentle and kind dogs we have had in WSBTR, he deserves the best home ever. If you can offer him this, then please complete the on-line adoption form which can be found on www.wsbtr.org. It is important to us that Patchy's next home is perfect so we are looking for a home with no other dogs to ensure that he can get the attention he needs. Re home areas: Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Oxfordshire, Hampshire plus other areas in the South and South West considered. Contact: Wiltshire Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, in the first instance, please complete our online adoption form here http://www.wsbtr.org/quotes.htm

Yep, you're more than likely entirely correct, sadly.

Oh Daisy RMF - local politics I know one of the local candidates fairly well and his ex employer even better. I've just been looking on their website, facebook etc and noticed they have lied about their career history and also been rather economical with the truth on where they have lived (they claim to have lived in the constituency all their life - in fact t is only the last fwe months). Do you think this really matters, the fact that a few falsehoods have been told and a bit of selctive information has been given? It rather puts me on edge for some reason, and I even like the guy! They're probably all at it, it's just that I know this guy and I don't know the rest to have caught any other ambiguities (sp) lol

They are just the most beautiful collars I have ever owned. THANK YOU so much Am going to take a photo later today

Keeping the emotion out of it, if fox hunting IS sold as a means of keeping the population of foxes under control then I don't believe it to be an effective method, at all. Foxes round here are a real problem. There is now quite a substantial population. The free range chicken farm opposite me, lost 60% of their birds during the day to foxes last Summer (electric fences didn't seem to faze them). I myself have lost many of my pet chickens to them over the years too. Lambs from my farmer friend have also been taken this year. TBH that's just the tip of the iceberg. I can see a need for control - I realise I maybe in the minority here. My preference is not hunting though, but lamping with a good rifle and a skilled Shooter. I have witnessed this first hand. Fox looks at the light, shot is fired, a clean and extremely quick kill. I don't want to erradicate foxes from the land, far from it, but there is a balance with regards population. Emotive videos generally turn me off, no matter how appalling the scenes look. Reasoned arguments and practical measures and a realistic appreciation of how foxes can and are a problem in the countryside for some is very important to me. As an election matter, I realise and understand it's importance to many, however there are many more animal welfare issues that are more important to me right now. Sadly none of these seem to be getting a look in any election manifesto of debate wth any of the Parties.