RSPCA: “Delay on hunting vote is nothing more than a sneaky tactical move”
The RSPCA is urging the Government to pull plans to dismantle the Hunting Act for good following the decision to delay the free vote on the issue.
Since it was announced there would be a free parliamentary vote on the issue the world’s oldest animal welfare charity has been adamant that the public is strongly opposed to any changes to the Act.
More than 143,000 people have emailed their MP on the matter through the RSPCA – proving that the British people do not want hunting to return to the British countryside.
The charity is now urging the Government to shelve the plans for good in light of the strength of feeling on the issue but fears are that they will wait until they have an opportunity to vote without input from Scottish members.
David Bowles, RSPCA assistant director of public affairs, said: “We are pleased that the Government have made a u-turn on this matter at the final hour which leaves the Hunting Act intact for now but we are under no illusion that this issue will return.
“We do not believe that it is a coincidence that the day after the SNP announced they would vote on Wednesday, the Government has cancelled. this delay is nothing more than a sneaky, tactical move.
“We are now urging the Government to get rid of the plans for good. Strength of feeling on the issue of fox hunting has not diminished in the 10 years since the ban was introduced. We feel it is unlikely it will diminish in the future either.
“We are very grateful for all the support that members of the public and most MPs have given over this matter and we hope they will continue to support us should this matter arise again.
“The Hunting Act is an important piece of legislation that has been safeguarding British wildlife for 10 years – it is essential that is allowed to continue.
“Had the Government gone ahead with their plans to dismantle the Act this would have been disastrous for the wildlife of England and Wales along with the countryside.”
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 07825 158490
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
-01.png){kind=spacer}