Liberty & Livelihood

Protesters fight hunt ban delay - BBC Online.

Anti-hunt protesters say they will fight to ensure a ban comes into force on 18 February as planned. Pro-hunt campaigners had asked for an injunction to delay the ban while they challenge it at the High Court.

The government, which said it would not oppose a delay, was accused of trying to avoid protests so close to a likely May election.

Now the League Against Cruel Sports is to ask to make legal representations against an injunction on 25 January.

The league's chief executive, Douglas Batchelor, said further delay would mean more animals would suffer and be killed.

The Countryside Alliance's action and the proposed injunction set a dangerous precedent
Douglas Batchelor "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," he 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."

Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is expected to call a general election for 5 May, had opposed an outright ban on hunting.

Pro-hunt groups have threatened a campaign of civil disobedience and many say they will ignore the ban.

The Countryside Alliance will base its legal challenge on the legitimacy of the 1949 Parliament Act, which was used to force through the ban against the wishes of the House of Lords.
While its appeal is heard, it will ask for an injunction to delay the ban until the end of the legal process - which could take 12 months.

The group's chairman John Jackson has said anyone who believed hunting was going to end in February "had better think again".

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael said the government it was happy for them to be able to make their challenge in the court.