EVEN in the midst of the season of "goodwill to all men," that Christmas spirit doesn't extend to the animal kingdom, and on Boxing Day a determined minority will be out hunting foxes and killing them with packs of dogs.

As full-time hunt monitors for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, that day will also find us in the field, supporting the campaign for a ban.

The evidence that we have gathered over the years has proved vital in exposing the terrible cruelty of hunting a wild animal with dogs.

During 2003 we have seen our goal drawing tantalisingly close as yet again MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of a ban.

Assurances have been made by Ministers and by the Prime Minister himself that the issue will be resolved during this Parliament, but we will not rest easy until legislation to outlaw hunting finally reaches the statute books.

By this time next year, the fate of hunting will be sealed. We urge all the many people in favour of a ban to take time over Christmas or the New Year to write to Tony Blair, asking him for a clear indication of when the Hunting Bill will be reintroduced and an end to the appalling cruelty of hunting with dogs brought even closer.

KEVIN HILL and PETER WHITE, Hunt Monitors, International Fund for Animal Welfare, c/o 89 Albert Embankment, London.