Animal rights activist Barry Horne was yesterday on the verge of slipping into a coma on the 62nd day of his hunger strike. The campaigner denied reports that he wanted to die - but said he would call off his protest only if the British government set up a royal commission into the use of animals in experiments.
Horne (46), serving an 18-year sentence for firebombing, released the statement through friends who visited him at York district hospital. A spokesman said: "He clearly wants to live but remains determined to expose this government's lies and hypocrisy in breaking its pre-election promises."
Supporters continued their vigil outside the hospital. Horne was transferred there from Full Sutton prison in York after his condition deteriorated. A spokesman for the hospital said yesterday that his condition was stable, but continued to give cause for concern.
Mr Robin Webb, of the Animals Betrayed Coalition, added: "Barry is blind in one eye, has almost lost sight in the other and is deaf in one ear. His weight has fallen from 14st to 8st.
"He is also looking very jaundiced because of the severe liver damage he has suffered. His potassium levels are very low, which will probably induce hallucinations. It is only a matter of time now."
Horne has been criticised by some animal welfare groups for using "emotional blackmail" which would prove counter-productive. Mr Jonathan Owen, of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, said his actions could harm the image of those battling for animal welfare by legitimate means.
"We campaign in a totally different way and are worlds apart from Mr Horne," he said.
Animal rights fanatics are believed to have sent a death list of 10 scientists to Scotland Yard, warning of action should Horne die. It is believed to include those working at the Roslin Institute near Edinburgh, where Dolly the sheep was cloned.
Another "target", Prof Colin Blakemore, professor of physiology at Oxford University, is under police protection along with his family.
Mr Michael Foster, the Labour MP for Worcester whose Bill to ban hunting with dogs failed in the last session of parliament, yesterday urged Mr Horne to abandon his hunger strike.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If we want to get animal welfare legislation through both houses of Parliament, the way to do it is through parliamentary democracy.
"I don't think things can be achieved through activities such as hunger strikes.
"I dearly wish he would call it off. Let us concentrate all our energies on getting legislation through parliament."
Mr Foster confirmed that the idea of local referendums on hunting bans was among options now being considered by supporters of a ban. He believed the will to ban hunting had been carried forward by the big vote in favour of his Bill in the House of Commons.
There were two options: imposing a national ban, then having county-wide referendums to opt out of it, or referendums in counties to introduce local bans. He would prefer a national ban, to avoid problems when hunts strayed over county borders, but would accept the other option if that would get through the House of Lords.
It was disclosed yesterday that dogs are being trained to fight at a children's playground. Owners are using swings in the play area in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire to strengthen their animals' teeth and jaws.
Mansfield district council parks and recreation manager, Mr Craig Bonar, said: "We think they are encouraging their dogs to clamp their teeth around the seats of the swings."
Bare-breasted animal rights activists barged into the foyer of Milan's La Scala yesterday and wrestled with police in an effort to shame women wearing furs to the opening night of the opera house season. Police were seen dragging six protesters, led by the socialite and anti-fur crusader, Ms Marina Ripa Di Meana, out of the theatre.