MOST people are against killing animals for fun and want the Hunting Act to remain. But some General Election candidates want to repeal it – here are the views of some in the North-East.

Bishop Auckland: Mark Wilkes (Lib Dem) and Helen Goodman (Lab) will vote against repeal.

Barbara Harrison (Con) will listen to views of constituents if elected.

Durham City: Roberta Blackman-Woods (Lab) and Carol Woods (Lib Dem) will vote against repeal. Nick Varley (Con) will vote for repeal.

Sedgefield: Phil Wilson (Lab) will vote against repeal. Alan Thompson (Lib Dem) and Neil Mahapatra (Con) have not responded.

Darlington: Jenny Chapman (Lab) is against repeal. Edward Legard (Con) has said he will listen to views of constituents if elected. Michael Barker (Lib Dem) has not responded.

North West Durham: Pat Glass (Lab) will vote against repeal.

Michelle Tempest (Con) and Owen Temple (Lib Dem) have not responded.

If hunting is reintroduced as a benchmark, what hope does the country have in other areas of animal welfare? Now is the time to be a voice for the voiceless. It will be too late after May 6.

L Edwards, Co-ordinator, Durham Support Group, League Against Cruel Sports.