Ten years ago the Hunting Act came into force. Whilst the Act was a hugely important symbolic victory for the cause of animal welfare, it has proved, in practice, to be of little real utility in restraining the bloodthirsty activities of those who continue to ride roughshod over the spirit and letter of the law, much as they promised to do before it was enacted.

Even on the rare occasions when organised hunters are convicted – just 32 in a decade – the sanctions are trifling, clearly providing no real deterrent.

80 per cent of the public, urban and rural, want the Hunting Act retained, but also want a law that works properly. This can only be achieved if the Act is significantly toughened up, as sought by www.campaigntostrengthenthehun tingact.com Please support that, urge MPs and candidates to do the same and vote for a party that will uphold and extend the welfare of wild mammals.

Alan Kirby MSc, Protect Our Wild Animals.