A BOLTON MP has called for a total ban on hunting with dogs.
David Crausby spoke after the Minister for Rural Affairs, Alun Michael, said he proposed to introduce a licence scheme.
But Mr Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, said: "The Bill is welcome and bans a number of so-called cruel sports but it does not bring an end to all fox hunting.
"Mr Michael's system is completely unacceptable and the introduction of this type of licence scheme could see the cruelty of fox hunting being given official approval.
"The issue of cruelty of hunting with dogs needs to be resolved and I shall be voting for a complete ban on fox hunting ."
The new Bill proposes to ban hare coursing and deer hunting.
But other forms of hunting with dogs, where there is no "less cruel method" available, are to be allowed under licence.
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