BANNING hunting with dogs in Worcestershire would not be a victory for animal welfare, according to a new report today.
A study by wildlife consultant Dr Nick Fox said it would instead be based upon "prejudice" against the hunting classes.
Instead, MPs and campaigners should focus on improving welfare across the wild mammal kingdom - rather than simply focusing on foxes and other species hunted with dogs.
The report was today hailed by Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff's Middle Way group - which wants the pursuit to be allowed to continue under strict licence.
Members claimed it showed that neither an outright ban or allowing hunting to continue without tough regulation was good for animal welfare or "human liberty".
Now they are hoping it will persuade Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael to adopt "middle way" proposals when he publishes legislation in the next few weeks.
"The report says that isolating hunting with dogs as an issue in this way is not about animal welfare, but prejudice," said Mr Luff.
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