12th July 2015
An Open Letter To SNP MPs
Dear SNP MP,
I write regarding the Hunting Act 2004 amendments which are being voted upon in the Commons on Weds 15 July 2015:
Please vote against them. I’m aware that it has been said that these amendments simply bring English & Welsh legislation in line with your Scottish equivalent, The Protection Of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002. I’m also aware that by pitching the amendments this way, pro-bloodsport Tories seek to compromise you and your SNP colleagues by claiming that voting against them would be hypocritical. This is not true. Actually, they need you to abstain in order to push their amendments through.
There are many details within the amendments which, if passed, will make the English & Welsh Hunting Act far weaker than its Scottish counterpart. For example, hunting wild mammals with a full pack of hounds will be exempt if conducted under the guise of “research and observation”. Laws which control the use of terriers to dig out quarry which has found sanctuary underground will be relaxed. Also, the amendments being put forward to MPs refer to all “mammals”, not just foxes as your 2002 Act does.
We all know that these amendments are a cynical and calculated attempt at creeping repeal which has been a long time in plotting. However, you cannot be accused rightly or wrongly of hypocrisy if you vote against because what you’re voting on is beyond comparison with the laws you have at home.
So please, please, please do the right thing. Attend the House of Commons on July 15. Vote against the Hunting Act amendments. Earn massive thanks and respect from us lot down here and join forces with the vast majority of English and Welsh people who believe in compassion not cruelty.
Yours sincerely,
Joe Hashman
Hounds Off
P.O. Box 162
Shaftesbury
Dorset
SP7 7AZ
www.houndsoff.co.uk
4 Comments | Leave a comment
Neil Sherwood says:
Posted July 12, 2015 at 11:33 pm
Please vote with your conscience..
Gill Clayton-Hewson says:
Posted July 13, 2015 at 8:22 am
SNP MPs Please Vote on Wednesday 15th July 2015. Vote Against the amendment, I understand some Tories are saying this Amendment will only bring the ban into line with Scotland, something you are preparing to debate.
I can remember some years ago a feeling of Relief when on holiday in Scotland and having a security of knowing a Hunting ban was already in place there. Please vote and vote against the amendment. Please bring your hunting ban into line with the hunting ban in England and Wales, please do not vote for this amendment.
Gillian Kilroy says:
Posted July 13, 2015 at 9:43 am
I can only urge you to do the right thing and see the difference in the Acts that will open up Fox Hunting to it,s fullest degree here in England and Wales
Louise A. Boyce says:
Posted July 13, 2015 at 8:07 pm
Given the Scottish hatred of being hunted by the English, every sympathy and support should be for the Fox/