Instead, the Lords backed a plan for self-regulation, the nearest thing to the status quo, by a majority of 141. The government did not respond immediately to the vote. It can send the legislation back to the Lords and can effectively force through a ban. Prime Minister Tony Blair is said to favor a general election on May 3, but is already under pressure to postpone local council elections scheduled for that day because of the chaos the disease has brought to the rural and tourism sectors. Fox hunting is an emotive issue in Britain.
Supporters argue that hunting adds a colorful strand to Britain's rich countryside tradition.
Opponents say it is cruel. The Age Company Ltd 2001. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.