Bill Signals Change In Hunt Attitudes

In a blow to the British tradition of blood sports, lawmakers gave initial approval Friday to a bill banning fox, stag and hare hunting.

The bill is not expected to become law - pro-hunting lawmakers will likely ambush it on the next stage in the parliamentary process. But the vote signals a sharp change in attitudes toward hunting after years of fierce campaigning.

“This is a landmark and an historic vote, and signals the end of fox hunting and other deeply cruel activities,” said John McFall, the Labor Party legislator who introduced the bill.