WIRRAL RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes has blasted David Cameron’s plans to overturn Labour’s ban on foxhunting, calling it a “barbaric” and “medieval” move.

Hunting with dogs was made illegal in 2005 in a reaction to the strength of public feeling against the cruelty of wild animals being chased for “sport”.

Under the Hunting Act in England and Wales, only two dogs can be used to flush out a fox so that a farmer or landowner can shoot it, while in Scotland an unlimited number of dogs can be used for the practice.

That could soon change, with MPs set to have a free vote next week on scrapping the limit on hounds in England and Wales, which would make it much harder to prosecute hunts.

Prime Minister David Cameron – who believes in the freedom to hunt - plans to use a loophole known as a “statutory instrument” to avoid a full Government Bill, limiting the debate to just 90 minutes.

Leading animal welfare charity the RSPCA believes chasing and killing live animals with dogs is barbaric, outdated and has no place in modern Britain.

Wirral-based RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes slammed the move.

He said: “I’m ashamed that we live in a society where the leader of our country has a thirst for blood sports. This is not only barbaric and medieval but just completely inhumane in every way.

“I led an investigation last year which led to four individuals being sent to prison for some of the worst, stomach churning cruelty I’ve ever witnessed involving a fox being torn apart by dogs – this would almost make that cruelty legal.”

A repeal of the Hunting Act would not only give a green light to resuming fox, deer and mink hunting, hare hunting and coursing, it would also allow those who use terriers and lurchers to fight and kill foxes, deer, hares and mink.

Inspector Joynes added: “It would mean that people could go out into our countryside with dogs and literally rip wildlife to pieces.

“This has absolutely nothing to do with control of pest species, it is simply legalising animal cruelty in the name of 'sport'. Foxes are essentially canines (dogs) and there would be a country wide uproar if it was suggested that dog fighting or bear baiting be brought back.

"It is ridiculous and completely unfair that in 2015 this government feel they can simply repeal or change a law to allow for their thirst for killing wildlife.

“This is a very real threat to our wildlife and now is the time to act. Please, please sign the petition and allow your voice to be heard and write to your MP to ensure that they will vote ‘no to repeal’.”