PRESTON Borough Council is putting its full political weight behind a move which could mean the end of the barbaric practice of hunting with hounds.

They are following in the footsteps of Prime Minister Tony Blair who says he favours a complete ban on fox hunting and has allowed MPs to vote freely on the matter.

Preston council will now lobby local MPs to outlaw the use of dogs in the bloodthirsty pursuits.

The call follows a clash between hunters and animal rights protesters in Longridge last weekend when a dozen hunters and a pack of dogs set out on foot to catch and kill hares.

Demonstrators confronted members of the Vale of Lune Hunting Association on Saturday (November 23) to obstruct their plans and delayed the annual chase by more than three hours. They sprayed aniseed over the field at Carrside Farm to put the hounds off the scent.

No hares were caught and no arrests were made.

Preston council leader Peter Rankin will tomorrow (Friday) put forward the borough's resolution to support a hunting ban when MPs debate the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill at its second reading in the House of Commons.

Deputy Mayor Ron Marshall said: "I am glad this bill is being brought before Parliament. We're talking about the most barbaric heinous practice which involves little children being bloodied. We must stand up against it."

Councillor Veronica Afrin added: "Torturing animals is wrong. We can't assume it's okay to inflict pain.

"It's nearly the year 2000. If we can't find a better way of controlling our animals, then hunting them with silly men dressed in bright red jackets isn't the answer."

However, councillor Pat Whittle said Parliamentary time was precious, adding: "There are far more important welfare issues."

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