Hunting supporters say ban leaves dog owners at risk of prosecution
Hunting supporters in Northern Ireland are concerned that a new bill to ban hunting with dogs could lead to unintended prosecutions of dog owners. The legislation, which is set to be voted on by MLAs, aims to align Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK where such practices are already banned. Proponents of the bill argue it will not affect responsible dog owners, while opponents claim it poses a threat to their livelihoods and traditional practices.
- ▪The bill aims to ban hunting wild animals with dogs in Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK where this is still permitted.
- ▪Countryside Alliance Ireland has criticized the bill as 'misguided and divisive', warning it could affect thousands of dog owners.
- ▪Proponents of the bill argue that similar legislation in Scotland has not led to prosecutions of dog owners.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Hunting supporters say ban leaves dog owners at risk of prosecution31 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEnda McClaffertyNorthern Ireland political editorBBCThe bill has been dismissed as "misguided and divisive" by the campaign group Countryside Alliance IrelandPro hunting supporters have warned that a new Stormont bill to ban the blood sport will leave thousands of dog owners across Northern Ireland at risk of prosecution.It comes as MLAs will on Tuesday vote on the legislation which aims to ban hunting wild animals with dogs in Northern Ireland.Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where the practice is still permitted.The private members bill is being brought by the Alliance Party's John Blair but has been dismissed as "misguided and divisive" by the campaign group…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News — UK.