LOCAL bloodsport enthusiasts were lobbying Parliament this week in a bid to save their sport.

The British Field Sports Society had activists from both Bury North and South in the lobby prior to next Friday's vote by MPs on banning hunting with dogs.

But anti-bloodsports campaigners have the support of both Bury North MP David Chaytor and his Bury South colleague Ivan Lewis, who are voting for the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill put forward by MP Mike Foster.

Mr Chaytor could not find time to meet lobbyists from his constituency, but was planning to meet with huntsman at his surgery today. He has already vowed to vote in favour of Mr Foster's bill, however.

Since the election Mr Chaytor has been inundated with letters and 'phone calls on the subject, with "several hundred" against hunting - and only four in support.

"The tide of public opinion is moving relentlessly against hunting ," he said. "It is not a straightforward issue, but I am a long-standing opponent of animal cruelty and will be voting for Mike Foster's bill on November 28."

Mr Lewis's office has received 625 letters from constituents against hunting, but only two in favour.

Said the Bury South MP: "I share the vast majority of the population's concern for animals and find the so-called sport of hunting with dogs extremely distasteful.

"I will be voting accordingly with the majority of my colleagues on November 28."

The Private Members Bill has its second reading in the Commons next Friday and the Campaign for the Protection of Hunted Animals says that the support of both local MPs will be "vital".

Cindy Milburn, UK director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said: "It is vital that every single anti-hunting MP votes. We need a substantial majority so that the bill can survive the wrecking tactics that can be expected in the Commons by those who support this cruelty."

The Campaign is supported by the IFAW, the RSPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports.

Mr Jeffrey Olstead, North West spokesman for the pro-hunting Countryside Alliance, said: "Many MPs do take an intelligent interest in the issue, but others fall for any emotive propaganda that comes their way and seem to see a virtue in ignorance."

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