HORSES and foxhounds, exiled from the Pembroke-shire countryside for nine months by foot and mouth restrictions, could resume hunting within four weeks.

The Pembrokeshire and South Pembrokeshire Hunts have not met since last February and the financial strain of maintaining their packs on limited income has been profound.

This suspension could be lifted on December 17th, subject to the findings of a detailed consultation. It could lead to a resumption of hunting in uninfected areas including Pembrokeshire, with the National Assembly issuing temporary permits.

Pembrokeshires two hunts could then hold their traditional Boxing Day meets at Haver-fordwest and Cresswell Quay.

Members have cautiously welcomed the news but concede that fox hunting can only resume if farmers agree to access across farmland. It is eight weeks since the last case of foot and mouth in Britain and the Assemblys announcement signals a slow return to normality in counties unaffected by the disease.

South Pembrokeshire Hunt, which starts a week of fund raising activities on Monday, hopes to be out on horseback before Christmas. The Pembrokeshire Hunt says it may only meet on foot with strict controls.

Pembrokeshire Hunt chairman John Davies says the meets would be limited to members only. We will only start hunting by request from farmers for a couple of hours on foot to get the hounds fit,he says.

Everyone is desperate to get going again but the committee will be carrying out a detailed risk assessment before we make any decisions. We may even insist on a system which certifies that horses and riders have not been in any at-risk areas.

It could be difficult for the Hunts to secure permission from every farmer whose land they cross. While hunts in England can spend a full day on a single estate, the Pembrokeshire hunts cross up to 20 farms.

Mr Davies is also reluctant to resume hunting while normal trading remains suspended at Haverfordwest Mart. We will be very wary of going on to farms before the farmers can go to the towns, he says.