BRISTOL East Labour MP Kerry McCarthy has condemned the Coalition Government's record on animal welfare.

She said it was appalling the Government was allowing the culling of badgers, the continued use of wild animals in circuses and that there would be a vote on fox hunting in this Parliament.

MPs were told proposals to allow badger culling were expected to be announced before Parliament breaks up for the summer recess.

But Ms McCarthy said there was compelling evidence to show that badger culling was not effective in preventing the spread of TB in cattle.

Ms McCarthy said: "People have every right to be appalled by the Government's animal welfare agenda.

"By confirming that there will be a vote on fox hunting in this Parliament, backtracking on calls for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, and supporting the culling of badgers, the Government has shown that it has no interest in protecting the welfare of animals and it seems prepared to ignore the voices of tens of thousands of people who have given their support to these campaigns."