The Conservative Party has pledged to hold a free vote on repealing the Hunting Act 2004, which prohibits the hunting of wild mammals with packs of hounds.

This legislation is an important tool for the police and courts to protect wildlife. Since being introduced there has been over 340 successful prosecutions of criminals who have unlawfully targeted wild mammals and the Waterloo Cup hare coursing competition has not been held. 

Recent research conducted by YouGov revealed 51% of people support the ban on hunting with hounds, compared to 33% who oppose it. Furthermore, every other Member of Parliament for constituencies within the Leeds Metropolitan District is in favour of the law remaining in place. 

We - the undersigned - call on Alec Shelbrooke MP to support retaining the Hunting Act 2004.