Paimpont has a huge forest, one of the oldest in Europe. In addition, it is the territory of important indigenous animals...think deer, wild boar etc. and is open to hunters outside the breeding season.
Hunting is recognised as a necessary activity to ensure that diseased and/or wounded animals are managed appropriately. There is another genre known as ’Chasse au Courre'. The hounds, starved before the Hunt, are permitted by their owners to chase and kill animals. This is wanton slaughter.
Today, 3 November, is the Feast of St Saint Hubert, patron saint of Hunters. Traditionally, local hunters come in great numbers for this Mass at Paimpont Abbey. Today was no exception. Outside, a large number of demonstrators/protesters were present with placards and megaphones abhorring hunting practices. I was on the other side of the lake and could easily hear this crowd shouting and singing to disrupt the Mass...and I'm deaf!
When I arrived in the Bourg, about 15 minutes later, there was a significant presence of armed Gendarmes (Police) and as the demonstration had finished, many protesters had dispersed, although several Gendarmes were in evidence with a significant number of vehicles...should space be needed for detainees.
You've caught the spirit of this: disrupting a mass disturbs me... but not as much as animals being literally hounded to death. Why do they have to kill animals to enjoy a horse-ride in the forest?
It happens everywhere and mostly it results in hunting being banned! But in NZ, people pay 1000s to be taken up to the high country and hunt. Its allowed as its all controlled. Wonderful old building!
@maggiemae
The 'Wonderful old building' is Paimpont's Town Hall with the Library on the 1st floor. There's more 'W old bdg' beyond which this POV renders out of shot...Paimpont Abbey! Having Church and State in close proximity is the norm in France.
Here we hunt to keep the poplation of deer in check. The unfortunate fact is that fewer young people are interested in hunting. It is bear hunting that brings out the activist because of the baiting that is used. Great shot
I have learned to accept hunting for the reasons you stated plus overpopulation. I don't appreciate that here food is spread to "bait" the animals being hunted. I think I like the practice of starving dogs to chase down and kill animals even worse.
The 'Wonderful old building' is Paimpont's Town Hall with the Library on the 1st floor. There's more 'W old bdg' beyond which this POV renders out of shot...Paimpont Abbey! Having Church and State in close proximity is the norm in France.
TYF taking the time to make this comment, very much appreciated.
I echo all that you said, thank you.