(L-R) Robbie Marsland (League Against Cruel Sports), Freddie the Fox, John Blair MLA (Alliance Party), and Nora Smith (USPCA). Image: Press Eye
It is crucial we don’t allow the opportunity to end hunting wild mammals with dogs in Northern Ireland to fail once more, Alliance MLA John Blair has said, as he launched the consultation into his Private Member’s Bill on the issue again.
The Bill would bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, where the callous practice is outlawed.
Mr Blair previously attempted to bring the Bill in the previous Assembly mandate but it was defeated by a combination of Sinn Féin and most DUP MLAs, who voted against it.
“It is truly shocking we are in 2024 and still have no ban on hunting wild mammals with dogs, despite Alliance’s previous attempts to do so,” said Mr Blair, the party’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson.
Alliance MLA John Blair
“We came incredibly close to seeing this legislation become a reality a few years ago, with it only falling because Sinn Féin as a party and a number of DUP votes individually worked together to kill it. I am hoping this time round, we can give a voice to the majority of people who remain opposed to hunting wild mammals with dogs and show Northern Ireland does not condone it whatsoever. It is crucial this is not allowed to fail again.
“This consultation gives people an opportunity to make those voices heard and put on record their views in order to send a clear message.
“Animal welfare is a high priority for Alliance, and I encourage everyone to participate, so we can bring our legislation into line with the rest of the UK and outlaw this barbaric practice once and for all.”
You can complete the consultation here.
Charities welcome launch of Ban on Hunting Private Member’s Bill Consultation
The League Against Cruel Sports and USPCA have welcomed the launch of a Private Members Bill to bring about a ban on hunting with dogs, tabled by John Blair MLA.
Speaking following the launch of the Private Members Bill, USPCA Chief Executive Nora Smith said:
“USPCA joined Together with the League Against Cruel Sports in March to ban hunting with dogs. Our polling has shown that over 70% of people across all age groups and all parts of Northern Ireland want this terrible form of animal cruelty to end.
“Since the launch of our campaign we have taken our message to ban hunting with dogs to politicians and the public. Our online petition has received over 6,500 signatures and is growing daily.
”We would like to thank John for his continued support to bring about this ban and look forward to continuing our engagement with the MLAs and the public over the coming months.”
Robbie Marsland from the League said:
“Chasing and killing mammals with dogs has no place in today’s society. We are asking everyone to tell their local politicians to support this Bill and let them know that the cruel and wanton killing of wild animals must end.
“Most people we speak to think that hunting with dogs is already illegal in Northern Ireland – now’s the time to make that a reality.
“We’ve had really encouraging conversations with many MLAs, political parties and members of the public, and we are optimistic that there will be a majority in support of the Bill when it comes before the Assembly.”
You can complete the consultation here.