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07/01/2005
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)
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)
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Pro-hunt campaigners lose legal ban battle
Pro-hunt campaigners have lost their bid to overturn the government's hunting ban. The Countryside Alliance had launched a case to overturn the 2004 Hunting Act, because it had been passed by use of the Parliament Act 1949, which the group claimed was invalid.
Pro-hunt campaigners lose legal ban battle
Pro-hunt campaigners have lost their bid to overturn the government's hunting ban. The Countryside Alliance had launched a case to overturn the 2004 Hunting Act, because it had been passed by use of the Parliament Act 1949, which the group claimed was invalid.
13 October 2005
Hunting ban upheld by House of Lords
The Countryside Alliance has failed in its bid to challenge the legality of the ban on hunting with dogs. The countryside campaigners had argued that the Hunting Act was invalid, because it had been pushed through Parliament using the 1949 Parliament Act, which they said was not legal.
Hunting ban upheld by House of Lords
The Countryside Alliance has failed in its bid to challenge the legality of the ban on hunting with dogs. The countryside campaigners had argued that the Hunting Act was invalid, because it had been pushed through Parliament using the 1949 Parliament Act, which they said was not legal.
25 January 2005
Pro-hunt group mount court challenge to ban
The Countryside Alliance will continue their fight against the government's anti-hunting ban in the High Court today. The pro-hunt group will challenge the legal validity of the Parliament Act 1949, which was used by the House of Commons to force through the anti-hunting bill, over-ruling the House of Lords, which has objected to the bill.
Pro-hunt group mount court challenge to ban
The Countryside Alliance will continue their fight against the government's anti-hunting ban in the High Court today. The pro-hunt group will challenge the legal validity of the Parliament Act 1949, which was used by the House of Commons to force through the anti-hunting bill, over-ruling the House of Lords, which has objected to the bill.
17 February 2005
Hunting ban comes into force
The Hunting Act will come into force tonight, in spite of opposition from pro-hunt campaigners. From midnight tonight, it will be illegal to use a dog to hunt a wild mammal in England and Wales. Hare coursing will also be banned.
Hunting ban comes into force
The Hunting Act will come into force tonight, in spite of opposition from pro-hunt campaigners. From midnight tonight, it will be illegal to use a dog to hunt a wild mammal in England and Wales. Hare coursing will also be banned.
15 April 2008
Otis Ferry Charged With Robbery And Assault
Otis Ferry, the son of singer Bryan Ferry, has been charged with robbery and assault. The 25-year-old is due to appear before Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on May 7. The charges relate to an incident during a hunt in Gloucestershire last November.
Otis Ferry Charged With Robbery And Assault
Otis Ferry, the son of singer Bryan Ferry, has been charged with robbery and assault. The 25-year-old is due to appear before Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on May 7. The charges relate to an incident during a hunt in Gloucestershire last November.
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