Northern Ireland MLAs Vote on Bill to Ban Hunting Wild Animals With Dogs Across 400,000 Dog-Owning Households
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 26
Northern Ireland MLAs Vote on Bill to Ban Hunting Wild Animals With Dogs Across 400,000 Dog-Owning Households
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 26
Stormont MLAs were due to vote Tuesday on John Blair’s bill to outlaw hunting wild animals with dogs, a move that would bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.
400,000 dog-owning households were cited by Countryside Alliance Ireland, which protested outside Stormont and argued the bill is drafted so broadly that ordinary owners could face prosecution if a dog chases a wild mammal.
John Blair rejected that claim, saying Scotland has had similar legislation for more than 20 years without a single prosecution or attempted prosecution against a dog owner.
Hunt supporters said the ban would threaten livelihoods and packs of hounds, while fox hunting backers argued it remains a humane and natural form of pest control for farmers.
The vote marks Blair’s second attempt after a 2021 bill failed by seven votes, but this version is expected to clear the next stage with backing from Sinn Féin, Alliance and some DUP members.
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