Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne backs hunting ban

10.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 14th Oct 2009

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Campaigner, Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne has challenged his Tory opponent at the next General Election to pledge their opposition to the Conservative policy of reversing the ban on hunting with hounds.

Andrew commented "I am totally and absolutely opposed to hunting with hounds, the chasing of foxes, hares and deer with dogs for what is primarily for sport and pleasure is simply wrong. It has no place in today's society."

The Hunting with hounds Act was introduced by the Labour Party and received cross party support; recent polls also show that the majority of the public is in favour of retaining the ban. This issue is voted on as a free-vote in Parliament.

"I fully appreciate that farmers will need the ability to control certain wild species, but there are a number of more efficient and humane methods that are open to landowners - I believe that the Conservatives have misjudged the public mood on this issue and I call on my Tory challenger to support me and the majority of people who believe that the hunting with dogs ban should stay!" concluded Mr Aalders-Dunthorne.