Fox hunting: Supporters say bill to ban leaves dog owners at risk of prosecution

A new bill set to be voted on by the Northern Ireland Assembly aims to outlaw hunting wild animals with dogs, a practice still permitted only in Northern Ireland within the UK. The legislation, introduced by Alliance Party MLA John Blair, has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and opponents of hunting in the region. Proponents warn that the proposed ban could potentially criminalize thousands of dog owners, given the breadth of the bill. Critics, including the campaign group Countryside Alliance Ireland, have labeled the measure as “misguided and divisive,” staging protests outside Stormont to voice their opposition.

Gary McCartney, a spokesperson for Countryside Alliance Ireland, expressed concern about the bill’s wide implications. He explained that even ordinary dog owners could face prosecution if their pets happen to chase wild mammals, including smaller creatures such as shrews or larger ones like deer, during everyday activities. He pointed out that with around 400,000 households owning dogs in Northern Ireland, the scope for legal complications could be extensive. On the other hand, John Blair reassured the public by referencing similar laws in Scotland, where no dog owners have faced prosecution in over two decades, and emphasized that the bill’s goal is to align Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK.

The bill’s progress in the Assembly is promising, with expectations that it will secure enough votes to advance. Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party have indicated their support

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