Greens in call for New Year’s Day hunt demo

Party demands Ulster inclusion for bloodsport with dogs ban

THE Green Party is calling on people to support a New Year’s Day protest against hunting.

Members are taking part in the “peaceful protest” at Crawfordsburn, Co Down, as they renew the call for Stormont to ban foxhunting with dogs.

Party chair Ricky Bamford said it is seven years since the Greens tabled legislation at the Assembly to “adopt the same prohibition on hunting foxes with horses and hounds that had already been introduced in England, Wales and Scotland”.

She added: “Northern Ireland has been left as the only part of the UK without a ban on this cruel practice, thanks to the lack of support our party received from the other parties in the Assembly.

“We feel this dignified and peaceful protest in Crawfordsburn will be an opportunity to show our objection to the fact that these people enjoy hunting and killing defenceless wild animals.

“In a civilised society, people on horseback should not be using dogs to chase small animals for their pleasure.

“Our laws are hugely out of step with public opinion and we are repeatedly hearing from farmers who have had their land trashed and livestock ripped apart. As these people prepare for the New Year’s Day hunt, I am calling on DAERA to look at this issue as a matter of urgency.

“Anyone who feels the same way is invited to meet with us in Crawfordsburn at 10.30am on New Year’s Day.”

The Mirror contacted the North Down hunt and the Countryside Alliance but no one was available for comment.

CRUEL Green Party says there is no place for foxhunting ACTIVIST Green Party chair Ricky Bamford