The government is moving forward with preparations for a vote on the future of hunting, despite claims that "nothing is happening", says Alun Michael.

The statement came with the publication of a consultation document seeking further evidence on the controversial issue.

The rural affairs minister said the consultation exercise would provide a further opportunity for interested parties to make clear their views on the controversial issue.

"I have received over 7000 letters and submissions, many of which express strongly held and passionate views either for or against hunting with dogs.

"Those views have been registered, but I am now stressing to everyone that our focus in this process must be on facts and evidence in relation to the two key principles of cruelty and utility," said Michael.

Following the flood of submissions to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael called for "anyone who cares about the issue" to state their positions on a range of outstanding issues.

"I shall continue to meet the three umbrella groups, Campaign for the Protection of Hunted Animals, the Countryside Alliance's Campaign for Hunting and the Middle Way Group...I have listened to many people during the process so far and will continue to do so," he said.

In a letter to interested parties, the minister said he was continuing to explore the best way to formulate the principles of cruelty and utility and how those principles should be applied in different circumstances.

He denied that the government was stalling on the issue.

"So that no-one is misinformed, I need to refute the suggestion that has emerged in some quarters that 'nothing is happening'. Progress is being made precisely as I promised on 21 March."

Michael added: "It is now crucial that those with an interest in the subject do not delay in making their case and submitting real evidence. I have listened to a lot of people and I am encouraging genuine dialogue on the issues."

The deadline for further comments is July 15.

Consultation continues

The government's latest consultation document reveals that positions on whether hunting is inherently cruel remain as polarised as ever.

"There is general agreement that it is unacceptable to cause unnecessary suffering, but responses on the practicalities have been polarised. Supporters of hunting assert that hunting is not inherently cruel.

"Some respondents believe that there are differences between different forms of hunting and that some hunting activities are unacceptable. Some opponents of hunting assert that all hunting is cruel and should be banned. Others recognise a degree of utility and accept that for some types of hunting activity the alternatives may involve a greater degree of suffering," says the document.

The consultation also questions whether any specific form of hunting should have to pass the test of being useful for achieving a specific purpose.

It indicates that the government is still considering whether fox hunting should continue to be permitted in certain circumstances.

"For what specific purposes does any particular activity of hunting with dogs have utility? What tests should be used to determine whether or not an activity has sufficient utility? Who should take the decision and how?" the document asks.

It also raises the possibility that different areas of the country could require different approaches to regulating fox hunting.

Parliament has spoken

Following votes in the Commons and the Lords last March, Michael promised to resolve the issue "once and for all" during the lifetime of the current parliament, forcing a ban through Lords opposition by using the Parliament Act if necessary.

However, the government is hoping to reach a compromise "on the basis of as much common ground as possible". The renewed consultation exercise is part of that approach.

Following the consultation, the government hopes to have a bill ready for consideration by the Autumn.