The League Against Cruel Sports (www.league.org.uk) is compiling a database of the position of parliamentary candidates of all main parties in relation to repeal of the Hunting Act. They emailed me today asking whether if elected to parliament and the opportunity arose, I would vote in favour of repeal of the Hunting Act?

By reply I explained that despite being a pescatarian and aspiring vegetarian (ie not pro consuming meat for ethical and environmental reasons), I am very doubtful about the enforceability of the Hunting Act.

It has always struck me that a far better focus for improving animal rights is tackling the often cruel industrial farming methods used in this country and overseas. Hence, I would give careful consideration to the issue and do further research at the time of such a vote (including polling local residents), before considering whether to support the repeal of the Hunting Act. Fence sitting maybe, but I want to understand the statistics, particularly around costs of enforcing the act further.

If you have views on this issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.