Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire Lembit Opik writes about his Private Member's Bill exclusively for ePolitixPlus.

The fact that many people care about the suffering of wild mammals is undoubtedly a good thing. I count myself as one of them. However, some people see this only in terms of hunting with dogs. They claim that hunting causes excessive suffering, as compared to the other methods - shooting and snaring - which would remain legal. Obviously, there is no point in banning one method of control, while leaving other methods legal that can cause as much - or more - suffering.

My Bill would outlaw all undue suffering to all wild mammals in all circumstances, rather than a hunting bill that concentrates on just one activity and deals mainly with only four species of wild mammal. The same Bill has been introduced into the House of Lords by Lord Donoughue and has received support from all sides.

For organisations and individuals who feel that hunting with dogs does cause undue suffering, my Bill should be welcomed as it provides an opportunity for their views and evidence to be tested in court. This is exactly how the law operates with regard to cases of cruelty involving domestic animals. The Bill should also be supported by all MPs whose first concern is to reduce animal suffering. So it will be a test of sincerity and confidence in their argument for both MPs and anti-hunt groups.

The Bill also shows the right way forward in what has become a difficult issue for the government. It would place a principled and workable law on the statute book that will guarantee a genuine improvement in animal welfare.

House of Commons

First reading: January 7 2004 (HC Bill 26)

Second reading: February 6 2004