The Alliance Party has once again brought forward its hunting bill before the Northern Ireland Assembly as the group hopes to ban the use of dogs to hunt wild animals in the region.
Alliance’s spokesperson for agriculture and environment, John Blair reintroduced this private member bill yesterday evening (Monday, April 27), five years on from when the bill was first rejected by the Assembly back in 2021.
The reintroduction of the bill comes at a time when fox hunting has been a major talking point amongst political parties across the island of Ireland, particularly Sinn Féin.
Over the weekend, Sinn Féin members voted to support a ban on fox hunting in Ireland at the party’s Ard Fheis – an event which has resulted in claims from the Countryside Alliance Ireland accusing Blair of bandwagoning.
The campaign group described the bill as “divisive and highly contentious” during a time when Northern Ireland is facing “a wide range of pressing issues” such as the cost of living, farm incomes, public services and more.
However, Blair stated he believes it is time for Northern Ireland to catch up with the rest of the UK regarding hunting with dogs, as the practice is currently banned in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Alliance Party
Blair said that he was “glad” to see the bill progress to the Northern Ireland Assembly, describing hunting with dogs as “cruel, inhumane, and outdated practice that has no place in 2026.”
He commented: “Through lengthy engagement with people from all across our society, it’s clear this sentiment is shared by an overwhelming majority.
“That only highlights why this legislation is so necessary; we must take the chance now to ban fox hunting for good.”
Countryside Alliance Ireland
Gary McCartney, who is a regional director at Countryside Alliance Ireland, said that many will see this bill as a matter of “misplaced priorities” from the Northern Irish government.
The campaign group outlined that hunting and related countryside activities are tied to rural traditions, land management, equestrian life, conservation work, and local economies.
Before any bill is introduced, Countryside Alliance Ireland highlighted that these policies deserve “careful scrutiny, proper consultation, and a full understanding of the consequences for those communities most directly impacted.”
The group declared its commitment to consider and examine the bill once it is formally published, providing guidance to members on the ban in due process.
“Rural voices must now be heard clearly and constructively in the debate that follows,” McCartney added.