He's playing a game
Aren't we all?
All the world's a stage, my yellow stockinged friend
However, dismissing me as a troll is convenient for you, as it lets you side step the argument of your own hypocrisy.
I remarked how many on this forum were happy to use a barbaric method of killing mice, and rejoice at the success in killing a small mammal they consider vermin in a circumstance they consider neccessary or maybe even vital.
I have pointed out that you are as guilty as a huntsman in the respect of introducing predators into an environment with the objective of hunting and chasing a smaller animal, to tear it apart, whether that be your garage or garden, (there are no health issues there mon ami), and your demeanour in doing it are of no consequence to the likely outcome for the mouse, bird or fox for that matter.
Yet that is both your defence and your argument against hunting. the aspect of whether it is the killing that is done for fun. So it's OK for you to do, but not me because you believe I enjoy the killing.
If that is the case I must indeed be a sick person who relishes the death of animals in an almost primeval way, or so stupid that I cannot comprehend what you believe to be the reality of what actually happens.
The truth that is blindingly obvious, is the objection is nothing to do with animal cruelty, that is a mere sideshow. That is why the argument never gets anywhere.
Clarion, and Wowbagger have alluded to real issue upthread, it is the dressing up and ritual aspect that they object to; the pageantry.
It's a very blatant reminder of the days of the The Lord of the Manor, and cap doffing. It's why the proletariat hate it so much. It is part of what divides society, those who love tradition and those who hate it and want a different society.
So Clarion, yes, every time someone has a pop at me for animal cruelty I will respond, and if I can point out their own hypocrisy on the issue I will.