Draft legislation which aims to ban hunting with dogs in NI was heavily criticised by members of the Countryside Alliance during a meeting at Stormont last week.
The private members’ bill from Alliance MLA John Blair aims to prohibit hunting wild mammals with dogs, as well as banning trail hunting and terrier work.
Speaking on behalf of Countryside Alliance, barrister and former NI Attorney General John Larkin raised numerous concerns about the wording of the bill. In particular, Larkin suggested that the bill could have unintended consequences by impacting people who are not involved in hunting, such as dog walkers and farmers.
For example, he said a person who is walking a dog that ends up picking up a scent and pursuing an animal could be liable for conviction under the bill.
“This bill in its present form cannot remotely be considered fit for purpose,” he told Stormont’s agriculture committee.
Larkin indicated that instead of tabling amendments to the bill, it should be voted down by MLAs. “I’m not sure that even rigorous amendments would suffice,” he said.
In his remarks, Gary McCartney from the Countryside Alliance criticised bill sponsor John Blair for not engaging with the hunting community before drafting his bill.
“We call on the bill sponsor to recognise that it’s time for a real reset. Withdraw your bill, bring all stakeholders around the table, and work with them to bring meaningful improvements to animal welfare,” he said.
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