KENT police will appoint a senior officer to deal with the threat of pro-hunt civil disobedience over the next three months.

The appointment demonstrates concern over the prospect of officers having to spend valuable time enforcing the ban when it becomes law at the end of February.

This week the force was waiting for guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers to prepare all police forces for the practical aspects of enforcing the Bill.

A Kent police spokesman said: “0ver the next three months, Kent police will be in contact with all local hunt organisers to discuss the new legislation and their intentions after the act becomes law.”