Sylvia Heal MP is this Boxing Day helping to launch a national campaign to support the ban on hunting wild animals with dogs.

The ‘Back the Ban’ campaign is being launched  on Boxing Day – the old centre of the fox hunting calendar - by Hilary Benn and a host of celebrities including Tony Robinson and Patrick Stewart.

This Boxing Day is the fifth since the Bill to ban hunting with dogs was passed. The ban has already resulted in dozens of prosecutions, and the forecast dire effects on rural communities have not come to pass.

But the Hunting Act is under threat as pro-hunt activists prepare to spend thousands of pounds in backing Tory candidates committed to bringing back the cruel sport.

The Tory’s animal welfare spokesperson has made it clear that if elected they will bring back hunting with dogs. And they have said they will do it soon after being elected if they win the General Election.

Sylvia Heal MP said:  “I remember how long parliament spent introducing the ban on fox-hunting and how many letters I had from constituents supporting the ban. Overwhelmingly the public still support the ban, 75% of people nationally and 72% in rural areas. Instead of focusing on what should be the real priorities, jobs, the NHS, school and despite overwhelming public support for the ban, the Tories have pledged to repeal the ban if they get into power”.

"For David Cameron, getting the Act repealed is a top priority. He used to hunt, until his PR advisers told him not to; he talked about hunting in his first ever speech to Parliament; and he has said that if he becomes Prime Minister he will get rid of the hunting ban as soon as possible."

“But, like the vast majority of people in Halesowen and Rowley Regis, I think that barbaric act of letting dogs tear foxes to pieces with their teeth shouldn’t return to our countryside.

“That’s why I’m supporting www.backtheban.com and I’m urging everyone in Halesowen and Rowley Regis to sign up to the ‘Back the Ban’ campaign too”.