Animal rights protestors to challenge hunting ban delay

Anti-hunt protestors have pledged to fight a proposed delay on the hunting ban, which is due to come into force on February 18.

Pro-hunting group, the Countryside Alliance, had requested an injunction to delay the ban, while they attempt to have it over-turned in the High Court. The League Against Cruel Sports has stated that it will challenge the injunction being sought by the Countryside Alliance.

"Hunting has been banned because it is cruel and any further delay means that more animals will suffer and die as a result," Chief Executive, Douglas Batchelor, said. "The government's lack of enthusiasm for allowing a law of Parliament's making to commence is deplorable, so it is up to us to defend the defenceless animals from the gratuitous cruelty of the hunt supporters."

The government decided not to challenge the injunction, which many critics claim was to avoid a threatened campaign of protests and riots by pro-hunt groups in the run-up to the General Election, which is expected to be held in May.

Hunting is due to be outlawed on February 18, after the Parliament Act was invoked in order to force the ban, which was backed by MPs, but rejected by the House of Lords, through Parliament.

If the Countryside Alliance are successful at gaining an injunction in the High Court, it would prevent the ban from coming into effect until after the House of Lords has heard an appeal. The League of Cruel Sports claim that this could take another 12 months.

The League are set to ask to be allowed to make legal representations against the injunction when the case comes before the High Court on January 25.

Commenting on the case, Mr Batchelor said: "The Countryside Alliance's action and the proposed injunction set a dangerous precedent, which could see all legislation forced to pass through lengthy legal challenges before it can be implemented. We are seeking to be represented at the hearings, not only to fight cruelty, but also to defend Parliamentary democracy.

Mr Batchelor added: "Since the government has refused to defend its own legislation by opposing an injunction that would see the implementation of the Hunting Act delayed, this was our only choice."

(KMcA/SP)