LEADERS of the pro-hunt Countryside Alliance have vowed to fight the proposed ban by mounting two court battles.

The Alliance says it will contest the legality of the government's plan to use the Parliament Act to sidestep any opposition in the Lords and force the Hunting Bill on to the statute book.

Alliance members also aim to challenge the legislation under the Human Rights Act.

In a rallying cry to members, chief executive Simon Hart criticised the Bill and said: "We must explain in a measured, articulate way that this is a line beyond which we will not be pushed.

"We will not accept a law which can only be based on the bigotry and prejudice of a few hundred MPs.

"We will fight any ban until justice and respect for the rights of ordinary people are restored to their proper place."

However, the vote to ban hunting has been welcomed by the RSPCA.

A spokesman said: "Gratuitous cruelty inflicted on wild animals in the name of sport will no longer be tolerated in modern Britain."