Campaigners at the Giant’s Causeway call on the National Trust to end hunting

Volunteers and staff from the leading national animal welfare charity, gathered at the National Trust's site, to urge members of the public to take action and sign up to its campaign.

Nick Weston, head of campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “We were given an enthusiastic reception by members of the public. Many were keen to listen to our concerns and were shocked to discover that hunting is still legal in Northern Ireland."

“The vast majority of people that we spoke to are National Trust members, who enthusiastically signed up to our campaign."

Votes cast by Northern Ireland residents could be the deciding factor in whether hunts continue to be allowed on National Trust land in England and Wales under the guise of trail hunting.

The day of action at the Causeway, is one of a series of League actions taking place this summer ahead of the National Trust’s AGM in October, when there will be a vote in which members will get the chance to call for a permanent ban on the licensing of trail hunting in England and Wales.

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Notes to editors

The League Against Cruel Sports is working hard to secure a total ban on hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland, one which also prevents excuses such as trail hunting from ever developing here. A bill is currently being written which could finally see hunting with dogs banned in Northern Ireland.

Consent forms were signed by parents/guardians of everyone under 18.

Social distancing, masks and hand sanitisers were used at all times and staff took a Covid-19 lateral flow test in advance of the day of campaigning.