DEFIANT fox-hunters have vowed to carry on hunting, despite a vote by MPs to ban the ancient blood sport.

Members of the Wilton Hunt say they would be tempted to ignore an outright ban amid police fears a change in the law would be unenforceable.

But anti-hunt protesters are claiming a victorious end to their long battle and say they will step up their pressure to ensure a swift end to all forms of hunting.

Last week's vote saw 362 MPs in favour of an outright ban with just 154 against - a decision that sent shockwaves through the hunting community in Salisbury and the New Forest.

"The temptation would be to say the law is an ass and it's down to the individual landowner what happens on his land," said chairman of Wilton Hunt Angus Mann.

"This is a most ridiculous situation, where our rights are being taken away."

The Wilton Hunt, based in Bowerchalke, has operated since the 18th century. It currently has 400 members and more than 80 hounds, which kill approximately 100 foxes each season.

The hunt employs four people but says its work has a great benefit for the wider community.

"Countless people rely on the service the hunt provides," said liaison officer Francis Moore.

"Local jobs and trades count on us, we spend vast sums improving the countryside, we have given £30,000 to charities including Salisbury hospital and Riding for the Disabled and we run a pony club for the youngsters.

"The hunt also collects deadstock from local farms - without that service, it would cost the taxpayer millions in incineration every year.

"We are now faced with the most illogical situation, where the government wants to take this all away from the rural community with a crass piece of legislation put through in response to prejudice."

The bill will now go to the House of Lords, but any refusal could be overturned by the Parliament Act, resulting in a ban as early as 2005.

The MPs' vote has sparked concern from the police, who must enforce any new law.

"There is every likelihood that significant numbers of people will flout any ban and the police will be called upon to tackle this," said Alastair McWhirter, former assistant chief constable for Wiltshire and spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers.

"It is totally impractical to stop a pack of hounds and a hunt on horseback, arrest them all, and seize the animals."

But hunt monitor Peter White, of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, says the authorities should not be lenient on the law-breakers.

"If they continue to hunt, fine them or lock them up," he said.

"People feel so strongly about this, they are sure to report those who continue to hunt."

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