Should the Sport of Hunting be Completely Banned?

The sport of hunting must have been one of the most heatedly debated topics in England since the early 20^th century. Animal rights activists stress the cruelty of killing animals for sport, whereas hunters argue that it can’t have any negative effects in the natural environment. It may be true because legally allowing hunting during particular times of the year prevents overpopulation of certain species. Moreover, hunters’ groups and clubs actually protect endangered species by financially supporting the preservation of wetlands, which gives the animals the chance to breed and let their offspring reach adulthood, thus resisting the threat of extinction.

Opponents of this view argue that it is an aggressive, cruel, pointless activity; it may have been vital for man’s survival many years ago, but now such a need does not exist.

All things considered, before deciding to completely ban hunting, one must take into account the positive aspects of organized, controlled and legal hunting. In addition to the pleasure hunters enjoy when tracking game in the great outdoors, conscientious hunting could actually be doing nature some good.

(After Virginia Evans – Jenny Doodley, Mission, 2000.)

b) Answer the teacher’s questions.