Stormont MLAs Vote on Northern Ireland Hunting Ban; Countryside Alliance Warns Against Prosecuting Dog Owners

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) at Stormont are debating legislation proposed by Alliance Party MLA John Blair, which seeks to prohibit the hunting of wild animals with dogs across Northern Ireland. This move would align Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK, where such practices are already banned.

Countryside Alliance Cautions Against Broad Interpretations

Countryside Alliance Ireland, a campaigning group, has labelled the private member's bill as “misguided and divisive,” suggesting its broad scope could inadvertently criminalise ordinary dog owners. Gary McCartney, a spokesperson for the group, stated that the bill is “so wide-ranging that it will impact on every dog owner in Northern Ireland.” He offered a scenario where an elderly person whose dog briefly chases a wild mammal could face prosecution, estimating that up to 400,000 households could be affected.

Bill Sponsor Rejects Overstated Fears

John Blair, the bill’s sponsor, has rejected these concerns, highlighting that similar legislation has been in force in Scotland for over two decades without any prosecutions or attempted prosecutions against dog owners. Blair maintains his bill simply brings Northern Ireland into line with existing UK-wide legal frameworks.

Hunting Community Expresses Economic and Cultural Fears

However, those involved in hunting voiced significant concerns regarding the potential impact on their livelihoods and cultural practices. Emma Hodge of the East Antrim Hounds raised the issue of what would become of her pack, explaining that hounds are pack animals unsuitable for rehoming. She also defended fox hunting as a “natural form of pest control.” Sean McAloon, huntsman with the Fermanagh Harriers, echoed these sentiments, suggesting the ban represents “the latest attack on the farming community” and a “class war,” while arguing that fox hunting provides a “humane form of pest control” for farmers losing lambs to foxes.

This marks the second occasion MLAs have voted on a hunting bill from John Blair; a previous attempt in 2021 was defeated. This time, however, the bill is anticipated to secure sufficient support to progress through the legislative stages, reportedly with the backing of Sinn Féin, the Alliance Party, and some members of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).