The League Against Cruel Sports and USPCA are calling on the public to support the campaign to ban hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland.
Already illegal in England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where it’s still legal to hunt mammals for sport.
Speaking at the Together campaign launch, USPCA Chief Executive Nora Smith said:
“People across all age groups and across all parts of Northern Ireland want this terrible form of animal cruelty to end. This is supported by recent polling which shows that between seven and eight people out of ten want to see a ban.
“The USPCA is pleased to join with the League Against Cruel Sports to campaign for a ban. Together we can make a positive change.
“We are asking for the public’s help to ensure we introduce legislation by signing our petition. We want all of our politicians to get the message that the majority of people here are against hunting with dogs."
Robbie Marsland from the League said:
“Chasing and killing a mammal with dogs has no place in today’s society. We are asking people to let our local politicians know that this cruel killing of wild animals has to end.
“There are humane alternatives such as drag hunting which allow for the traditional pageantry but crucially don’t involve encouraging a pack of dogs to chase and kill wild animals across the countryside.
“While farmers need effective methods of pest control, evidence shows that hunting with dogs isn’t one of them. It’s a sport that is cruel to the wild animals and the dogs that are forced to kill them.”
Petition
The Together Campaign is asking people to take some simple steps for change
Sign the petition
Tell people you have signed the petition, especially politicians
Ask people to sign the petition - ask family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and school mates “have you signed yet?”
Follow the campaign for change
To show your support and help end hunting with dogs, you can sign the petition by pressing or clicking HERE.
Polling
Polling was conducted by LucidTalk Limited as part of its NIVIEW Winter Tracker Poll on 9th to 11th February with 1050 respondents.
Of those who expressed an opinion (should be legal/illegal):
87% said hunting deer should be illegal
76% said hunting foxes should be illegal
82% said hunting hares should be illegal
77% said hunting rabbits should be illegal
Of those who expressed an opinion:
47% said it is currently illegal to use dogs to hunt live animals in NI.
53% said it is currently legal to use dogs to hunt live animals in NI.