...comes from groups alarmed and enamoured at the prospect of the ban on hunting with hounds.

The Countryside Alliance says:

"The Alliance remains confident that the government is seeking a solution that respects both human rights and animal welfare.

"The Alliance will however continue to warn government of the consequences of any ban on hunting - which would not help a single family in the UK and would harm many."

The RSPCA says:

"The case against hunting with dogs is overwhelming. According to independent research, foxes are not significant agricultural pests nationally and hunting is an ineffective form of population control. We believe that draghunting is a viable alternative country sport without the pursuit and killing of a live quarry.

"The stress and suffering caused to hunted animals is cruel and unnecessary and may cause disturbance to other wildlife. There is strong evidence that foxes are not always killed with a 'quick nip to the back of the neck' as claimed by hunt supporters."

IFAW says:

"IFAW is strongly opposed to the hunting of foxes, deer, mink and hares with dogs. Hunting with dogs is both cruel and unnecessary as a control measure or 'sport'.

"The Campaign for the Protection of Hunted Animals (CPHA) - comprising the International Fund for Animal Welfare, League Against Cruel Sports and Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - believes that the 'sport' of hunting is intrinsically cruel.

"Regulation, whether based on a voluntary system or licensing - the so called middle way option - would simply allow cruelty to continue."