A Green politician has said that she will bring forward legislation to toughen fox hunting laws

Fears have been raised that fox hunting is continuing to take place in Scotland.

Alison Johnstone MSP has announced that she intends to bring forward a member’s bill to the Scottish Government calling for tougher legislation to protect animals.

The Bonomy review estimated that around 800 foxes are killed by hunts every year in Scotland, and that one in five foxes are killed by packs of hounds. The Protection of Wild Mammals Act banned hunting with hounds but still allows packs to flush out foxes and then for the animals to be shot.

"In 2002 the Wild Mammals Act aimed to ban foxhunting but has clearly failed,” said Johnstone. “The practice of flushing foxes with packs of dogs to waiting guns is in many cases hunting with dogs under another name.

"Polling shows most Scots are in favour of a full ban, and I will bring forward a member's bill to deliver one.

“We cannot allow ministers to kick the can down the road on foxhunting. It's time to take a stand."