McCartney calls for hunting ban

Paul McCartney and a host of other celebrities have written to the British government pleading for a ban on hunting with dogs, it emerged today.

In a letter to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other senior politicians, the former Beatle has called for a free vote in the House of Commons on the issue at the earliest possible opportunity.

McCartney, a keen animal rights campaigner, along with his two daughters, fashion designer Stella and photographer Mary, penned the letter and got a range of celebrities to sign it.

Among those supporting the campaign are TV presenter Michaela Strachan, actress Jenny Seagrove and former model Twiggy.

The letter said: ‘‘Your government has promised to give the House of Commons an early opportunity to express its view, to have a free vote and to enable parliament to reach a conclusion on the issue. The time to do this has now come.

‘‘We want to live in a country where it is illegal to inflict pain and suffering by hunting wild animals with dogs - an activity that we along with most people believe is cruel, unnecessary, unacceptable and outdated.’’