It’s time to ban hunting wild mammals with dogs in Northern Ireland, says Blair

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.

Hunting With Dogs John Blair


 
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.
 
“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.”

Complete the consultation here.