HUNTING enthusiasts in the New Forest are threatening to break the law.

Members of the New Forest Hounds say they will carry on hunting if the government forces through an anti-hunt Bill.

They have postponed their opening meet of the season to attend a rally at which they will vow to defy any anti-hunting law. The New Forest Hounds were planning to gather at Janesmoor Pond, near Fritham, on Saturday, but will travel to Newbury to take part in Declaration Day. They will sign the Hunting Declaration, which says bloodsport enthusiasts will ignore any ban on hunting and accept the consequences.

A New Forest Hounds spokesman said: "Declaration Day will send a clear message that hunting people and the wider rural community will not accept an unjust hunting law and that any ban would be unenforceable.

"Everyone who believes in the freedom to hunt is invited to Newbury Show Ground on Saturday to show their support."

Earlier this year the Bill's initial proposal to restrict hunting to certain parts of the country was ditched for an outright ban. Members of the House of Lords are opposing the measure, but the government is threatening to use the Parliament Act to force it through.

The New Forest Hounds will now stage their opening meet at Bolton's Bench, Lyndhurst, on November 8 at 10.45am.