Mr Blair was speaking ahead of the annual Boxing Day hunts, and after re-launching his own Private Members’ Bill seeking to bring in this legislation.
His previous bill addressing this was blocked primarily by Sinn Féin MLAs, alongside some DUP representatives.
The South Antrim MLA has said: “Hunting wild mammals with dogs is a cruel and archaic practice which, quite frankly, should be consigned to the past.
“The fact that it already has been in every other region in the UK only makes our lack of action on this even more shameful. It’s beyond time that we were brought into line with England, Scotland, and Wales in seeing it outlawed.
“This time last year, awaiting the restoration of Stormont after yet another collapse, I reaffirmed my commitment to ending hunting wild mammals with dogs, and have since re-tabled my Private Members Bill seeking to do just that, which is now out for consultation.
“Sinn Féin and most of the DUP voted against the bill last time, allowing it to fall. I’d urge them to rethink this position, and when the opportunity arises, join with Alliance to end this brutal practice.
“In 2024, watching animals being ripped apart for sport should not be an anticipated event on anyone’s social calendar. I would implore that anyone who feels as strongly about this as myself and my Alliance colleagues do, to please take a few minutes to fill out the consultation and make your voice heard.”
Complete the consultation here.
His previous bill addressing this was blocked primarily by Sinn Féin MLAs, alongside some DUP representatives.
The South Antrim MLA has said: “Hunting wild mammals with dogs is a cruel and archaic practice which, quite frankly, should be consigned to the past.
“The fact that it already has been in every other region in the UK only makes our lack of action on this even more shameful. It’s beyond time that we were brought into line with England, Scotland, and Wales in seeing it outlawed.
“This time last year, awaiting the restoration of Stormont after yet another collapse, I reaffirmed my commitment to ending hunting wild mammals with dogs, and have since re-tabled my Private Members Bill seeking to do just that, which is now out for consultation.
“Sinn Féin and most of the DUP voted against the bill last time, allowing it to fall. I’d urge them to rethink this position, and when the opportunity arises, join with Alliance to end this brutal practice.
“In 2024, watching animals being ripped apart for sport should not be an anticipated event on anyone’s social calendar. I would implore that anyone who feels as strongly about this as myself and my Alliance colleagues do, to please take a few minutes to fill out the consultation and make your voice heard.”
Complete the consultation here.