THE hunting fraternity last night said it would be business as usual when the ban comes into effect in February. Riders hope to exploit "loopholes" in the act which went through Parliament in October. And the man chosen as one of the Queen's North Wales high sheriffs last night said it would be interesting to see what legal action was taken against the huntsmen. Captain Michael Cunningham, of Denbigh, is due to take over as high sheriff of Clwyd in March. He is also North Wales chairman of the Countryside Alliance and a member of the Flint and Denbigh Hunt. Although members of the Alliance signed declarations indicating they would defy the ban he told the Daily Post the organisation would operate within the law. "The policy of the Alliance is compatible with my position as high sheriff," he added.. The Alliance and the Council of Hunt Associations believe the act has many anomalies which means hunting will continue. "We will appear to be doing precisely what we are doing at the moment," said Mr Cunningham, director of Liverpool investment company Rathbones. The first test of the law will come on February 19, the day after the ban comes into effect. Hunts across the country are being encouraged to meet that day in a show of strength. On Friday, during a private meeting with Countryside Alliance representatives and farming unions in Cerrigydrudion, Welsh secretary Peter Hain was asked why a terrier could be used to protect game birds but not lambs. Mr Hain apparently could not answer the question. "I think it is utterly disgraceful that a cabinet minister should visit a rural community in North Wales and not know the basic facts," added Mr Cunningham.. On Saturday there was a big turnout of the Flint and Denbigh Hunt at Mostyn Hall. | 
