Campaigners have welcomed a Labour Party pledge to toughen laws on hunting with dogs.

In the wake of another vicious attack only last week on a Derbyshire herd of alpacas, the Party is to consider introducing a new ‘recklessness’ clause to deal with errant hunts.

Speaking today Beverley Labour’s George McManus welcomed the announcement. ‘ Labour’s 2004 Act of Parliament was a milestone but experience has shown that it’s not tough enough. Living as I do in a rural part of East Yorkshire we see and hear of abuses perpetrated in the name of sport by hunts people who pay lip service to the legislation .’

He went on ‘A recklessness’ clause would be a welcome move. Too many miscreants get off with nothing more than a small fine. The practice belongs to the Middle Ages but until it ends completely we will need to continue to legislate.’