The vote to ban hunting with dogs by MPs last month was a landmark decision for animal welfare. This week the House of Lords will have their chance to debate the Hunting Bill and they have threatened to amend it to a compromise.

But there can be no compromise on cruelty. The Hunting Bill is already in a form that is entirely acceptable to the House of Commons and to the majority of the British public - an outright ban.

Hunting with dogs is a cruel and outdated sport that should have been outlawed a long time ago alongside bear-baiting and dog fighting. MPs have voted time and time again for a ban.

Only a vote in favour of the Hunting Bill as it stands will keep the Lords in step with public opinion in modern Britain.

It is time for the ban.

Josey Sharrad, International Fund for Animal Welfare, London