Boris Johnson has reiterated his support for fox hunting as a solution for London's growing problem with the animals.
The London Mayor said he would have "no hesitation" backing a cull in the capital and even suggested hunters could carry out the killings on bicycles, during his weekly Q&A with Londoners on Twitter.
When asked what he would do about London's foxes, he replied: "I would have no hesitation in supporting urban fox hunts - possibly on bikes #askboris @WaddellJL".
There are thought to be about 10,000 urban foxes in London - roughly 16 per square mile.
Mr Johnson first proposed hunting the animals last year after his cat was attacked by one at his home in Islington.
He described how he had been tempted to use his air rifle to shoot the offending fox himself.
He later said: "This will cause massive unpopularity and I don’t care. I’m pro liberty and individual freedom. If people want to get together to form the fox hounds of Islington I’m all for it."
But the League Against Cruel Sports, which campaigns against fox hunting, dismissed the Mayor's comments today as "absurd".
A spokesperson said: "We trust that the Mayor was joking with this absurd suggestion.
"Boris Johnson cannot seriously be suggesting that people should be permitted to freely ride around London on Boris bikes with dangerous firearms and packs of dogs hunting wildlife."
