Hunting with Dogs Should be Banned

A new MORI / RSPCA survey, released after the recent Common's vote on banning hunting with dogs, shows that most British adults believe in imposing a ban. This appears to be irrespective of the voting outcome from the House of Lords.

A previous MORI hunting poll (conducted in January 2001) showed that nearly three quarters (72 percent) of the public thought that fox hunting should be illegal. Four fifths (80 percent) thought likewise for deer hunting, with 81 percent also against hare coursing. This year's research (conducted in January 2002) reveals that two out of three adults (62 percent) would now support the government bringing in a ban.

A Common's vote earlier this year has already fallen in favour of the move, registering 386 votes to 175 for a ban on hunting with dogs - i.e. two thirds (69 percent) of MPs. Options to retain the status quo, or to allow hunting under licence, were both heavily defeated at the ballot.

Members of the House of Lords will be voting on the matter too. In the light of this, MORI surveyed their 2002 sample as to views on the Lords' voting result. Respondents were asked 'If the MPs vote to ban hunting, would you support or oppose the government moving ahead - irrespective of the Lords' vote - to bring in a ban on hunting this year?' In reply, 43 percent answered they would strongly support government bringing in a ban, 19 percent would tend to support government, 9 percent would neither support nor oppose, 11 percent would oppose, whilst 15 percent would strongly oppose.

MORI interviewed a national sample of 1,013 adults aged 16+ by telephone between 18 to 20 January 2002. They then interviewed 1,003 more adults aged 16+ by telephone between 15 to 17 March 2002.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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