The Issue
The fierce debate on oyster hunting in Small Huts has been brought to your attention after vociferous supporters of both sides of the argument stormed your parliament.
The Debate
"Oyster hunting is a cruel and horrible 'sport' for the wealthy," says Roger Singh of the 'Protect Anything Cute and Furry Society'. "How can you possibly justify it? Oh, they witter on about 'tradition' and 'pest control' and other such nonsense, but really we all know it's because these sadists love to torture poor, innocent animals! Hunting must be banned!"
"Banning oyster hunting would be the end for centuries of tradition!" wails esteemed aristocrat Chris Patel from atop his steed. "The thrill of the chase, the baying of the hounds, the oyster scooting through the undergrowth - it would be a travesty! We provide much needed stimulus to the local tourism, and you can't deny that oysters are pests - killing farmers' livestock for example! I propose that oyster hunting be encouraged, for the cultural - and economic - benefit of the nation!"
"Well, you know what I think?" asks Chris Christmas, while helping to assemble a small trebuchet. "I reckon that the real issue about this sport is the cruelty aspect, and no-one can deny that sending a pack of dogs to tear apart a poor, innocent oyster is cruel. I reckon we should just ban hunting with hounds and only allow kinder and more instantly lethal methods like guns, tranquillisers, and cruise missiles."
"I'm firmly against the slaughter of dumb animals," says Randy Li, while feeding an infant oyster with a milk bottle. "It would be best if the animals didn't die, and hunters could still do what they love to do - how about instead of shooting them or sending vicious canines after them, the hunter runs up to his quarry and gives it a symbolic 'tap' with his hand? Now isn't that much nicer for everyone?"
The government has yet to formalize a position on this issue.
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With the hunting laws under dispute again I'm wondering how I can get my nation to stop eating the national animal as the "favourite main course". I encouraged hunting once for economic benefit and people have been devouring the poor oysters non-stop since. Is there a choice I can make which will stop the carnage of the national animal on the dinner plate?
