Proposed Bill Banning Foxhunting Should be Opposed

IFA Countryside Chair Conor O’Leary has urged TDs to voice their opposition to the upcoming Private Members Bill which is looking to ban foxhunting. It is due to come in front of the Dáil this week. 

“The bill is problematic because it doesn’t take account of long-standing and regulated forms of fox control.  These play an important role in protecting livestock, especially during lambing, and in many parts of the country, farmers rely on established, regulated practices to manage their farms.”

Traditional foxhunts are organised events that are regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  They are required to follow strict protocols.

“This country is renowned for horse riding and horse husbandry and our hunts play a key part in giving riders and young horses an opportunity in their locality to develop their jumping and riding skills,” he said.

“Hunts are a vital social outlet for some in the rural community who follow them. At a time when rural isolation is an issue, this should not be discounted just because hunting is a minority activity,” he said.