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Fox Hunters Try for More Populist Image

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 3, 2009 4:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Britain's beleaguered fox hunting crew is undergoing media training to stop acting so bloody "toff," as the Brits say, in order to curry favor with the hoi polloi, reports the Independent. Hunters should always climb off their horses before speaking to the press and refrain from wearing their red riding coats on camera. "Too often, the people defending hunting on TV came across as arrogant, aloof toffs," said a spokesman for a hunting association arranging the training. "Hunting is very diverse."

Animal rights activists bridle at the new strategy, and insist it won't help hunters to loosen fox hunting limits. Hunt laws are expected to be an important issue in the general elections. At a recent mid-session election the Labor party issued a leaflet featuring a picture of a fox cub reading: "Vote Labor or the fox gets it."

The hunt community is trying to appear more salt of the earth in their hunt for public support.
The hunt community is trying to appear more salt of the earth in their hunt for public support.   (Getty Images)
Hunters get ready for the chase.
Hunters get ready for the chase.   (AP Photo/Rui Vieira/PA Wire)
Hounds of The Cheshire Forest Hunt get ready for the chase.
Hounds of The Cheshire Forest Hunt get ready for the chase.   (Getty Images)
A huntsmen of the Cheshire Forest Hunt enjoys a steaming brew.
A huntsmen of the Cheshire Forest Hunt enjoys a steaming brew.   (Getty Images)
Always climb down off your horse before speaking to the media, public relations experts are advising the hunt community.
Always climb down off your horse before speaking to the media, public relations experts are advising the hunt community.   (Getty Images)
Puh-lease.
Puh-lease.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Snarfeh
Aug 5, 2009 4:56 AM CDT
Like I said...
Shannonals
Aug 4, 2009 3:13 AM CDT
Populist Image?! These men and woemna ride around the country on horse with a pack of dogs hunting a single fox, exactly how do they really think they will improve their image?
newsrmandan
Aug 3, 2009 9:13 AM CDT
yes but the rabbits and foxes and gophers do and they adapt for life by not eating my garden or my neighbors chickens.

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