Five years ago, on 18 February 2004, the Labour Government’s Hunting Act became law, ending the cruelty and suffering of hunting with dogs.

Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“In this rural constituency, I hear both sides of the arguments for and against the Hunting Act. But the majority of people who have contacted me on this issue are asking me to confirm that I will vote against any proposed repeal that would allow the cruelty of hunting with dogs to return.

“The fifth anniversary of this hard won Labour law is a day of celebration for those who support animal protection, and believe it is an ethical as well as environmental cause. Rather than trying to turn the clock back on hunting with dogs, those seeking a sustainable future for rural communities, as I do, need to look to the future.

“It would not be a good use of parliamentary time to bring forward a proposed repeal of the Hunting Act. It shows just how out of touch the Tories are with the issues that matter most to people, including those in rural communities:  jobs, the economy, health services, schools, housing, and transport.

“But if a proposed repeal of the Hunting Act were brought forward, I will vote to continue the ban on this cruelty, and I have also pledged to support a wider range of animal protection measures by ‘voting cruelty free’.”