A CAMPAIGNING MSP is urging people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire to support calls for tougher legislation against hunting.

Holyrood is currently looking at tightening the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act, which came into force in 2002.

That legislation aimed to prevent wild mammals being chased and killed for sport.

However, the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland (LACS) insists hunting of this kind is still taking place in the Renfrewshire area.

In response, the charity has gathered more than 15,000 signatures for a petition which calls for better enforcement.

And its campaign is being supported by West Scotland MSP Mary Fee, who teamed up with charity mascot Fergus the fox to help raise awareness.

The Labour politician said: “I’m very pleased to stand by Fergus and back the findings of the independent government report that calls for the hunting ban to be strengthened.

“I’ve received many emails from constituents asking me to support animal welfare issues and, as an animal lover, I am proud to do so.”

Robbie Marsland, director of LACS Scotland, added: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to consult on this, along with the support of MSPs who joined Fergus to give their backing to the campaign.”

The Scottish Countryside Alliance, which represents hunts, has consistently defended the practice.

It insists foxhound packs receive “fantastic” support from local communities.