Together Campaign welcome milestone on path to ban hunting with dogs for good

The Together Campaign, made up of the League Against Cruel Sports (the League) and Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), have welcomed the progression of a Private Members Bill on Hunting with Dogs through to the Consideration Stage.

The campaign were delighted to see 60 MLAs vote in favour to progress the Bill from Stage 2 of the legislative process and move one step closer to banning the cruel practice of hunting with dogs.

Robbie Marsland from the League said:

“Throughout our campaign we have been greatly encouraged by the response from the public in Northern Ireland who have sent a clear message to their MLAs that they want to see this practice banned. We thank them for their support and are deeply grateful to communities across Northern Ireland who have stood up for animal welfare and compassion.”

“Today’s progress would not have been possible without the voices and determination of the public across Northern Ireland.”

The Hunting with Dogs bill going through the Northern Ireland assembly focuses solely on the use of dogs for hunting, such as mounted hunts and terrier work, and will not impact on areas such as dog walking or flushing to gun. We were delighted that MLAs have seen through these scare tactics and have backed this important piece of legislation.

We look forward to continuing to work with MLAs and the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and they begin their consideration of the Bill. This is a real opportunity to bring an end to this form of animal cruelty, which should be consigned to the history books.’

Heather Weir from the USPCA said,

‘We are delighted to see further progress to introduce a ban on hunting with dogs. This is long overdue and will bring Northern Ireland into line with other parts of the UK which has introduced similar legislation.

“The strength of public feeling has been clear, consistent, and impossible to ignore and that people from all walks of life have come together to support a kinder, more humane future. We look forward to the next stage in the legislative process and will continue to engage with elected representatives to ensure we can end this wanton practice of animal cruelty.”