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Charities urge Northern Ireland to ban hunting with dogs
The charities want to see the law changed to ban fox hunting in Northern Ireland.
Fox hunting is still legal in Northern Ireland.

The League Against Cruel Sports and the Ulster Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) have joined forces to call on Northern Ireland to ban hunting with dogs.

They have launched a new 'Together Campaign' and are urging members of the public to sign a petition in favour of a ban.

Despite being against the law elsewhere in the UK since the early 2000s, hunting wild mammals with dogs for sport, including foxes, is still legal in Northern Ireland.

A recent poll conducted in February 2024 showed that almost half of people in Northern Ireland think that hunting with dogs is already illegal. After being informed that it is legal, around 75 per cent of ten respondents supported the introduction of a ban on fox hunting.

A previous attempt to ban the activity in 2021 failed, after a Private Members Bill to ban hunting wild animals with dogs was defeated in the Northern Ireland Assembly by 45 votes to 38.

Robbie Marsland, director of the League Against Cruel Sports in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “There are humane alternatives such as drag hunting which allow for the traditional pageantry but crucially don’t involve encouraging a pack of dogs to chase and kill wild animals across the countryside.

“While farmers need effective methods of pest control, evidence shows that hunting with dogs isn’t one of them. It’s a sport that is cruel to the wild animals and the dogs that are forced to kill them.”

Nora Smith, USPCA chief executive, added: “People across all age groups and across all parts of Northern Ireland want this terrible form of animal cruelty to end. This is supported by recent polling which shows that between seven and eight people out of ten want to see a ban.

“The USPCA is pleased to join with the League Against Cruel Sports to campaign for a ban. Together we can make a positive change.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.