TRENDING NEWS
Back to news
28 May, 2025
Share:
Bill to ban 'cruel and inhumane' fox hunting in Ireland introduced to Dáil
@Source: thejournal.ie
Advertisement We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger during a protest in Dublin, before introducing a bill to the Dáil that would ban fox hunting in Ireland.Alamy Stock Photo People Before Profit-Solidarity Bill to ban 'cruel and inhumane' fox hunting in Ireland introduced to Dáil The bill was immediately opposed by two TDs, with one saying foxes can cause “a serious concern to many farmers”. 10.13pm, 27 May 2025 Share options A BILL THAT would ban “cruel” fox hunting in Ireland has been introduced to the Dáil. But the Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill was immediately opposed by two rural TDs, who said foxes pose concerns for farmers. People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who introduced the bill, said it was “unprecedented” for a bill to be opposed at first stage. She said she believed it was the first time a bill banning fox hunting was introduced in the Dáil. She said that fox hunting had already been banned in England, Scotland and Wales for over two decades and remained in Ireland as “a relic” of British rule. She said foxes in Ireland are dug out of the ground, attacked by packs of dogs and sometimes “torn apart”. Trail hunting, snaring and traps will also be included in the ban under her bill. “I believe that fox hunting is a cruel and inhumane so-called blood sport,” Coppinger told the Dáil. “It clearly causes unnecessary suffering, packs of dogs chasing after a fox relentlessly is obviously a very stressful and unnatural situation. “Foxes are our last wild dog in Ireland and they should be protected.” She cited a 2019 RED C opinion poll, commissioned by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports, that indicated 77% believe fox hunting should be banned, and said that 74% of people polled who lived in rural areas believed it should be banned. Foxes ‘serious concern to farmers’ The bill was opposed at first stage by Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins and Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, which Coppinger said was “unprecedented”. “I’ve never stopped a bill from going to second stage,” she told the Dáil, arguing that it was a “stifling” of freedom of debate. Advertisement Collins said that foxes were classed as a pest and that foxes can cause “a serious concern to many farmers”, as well as native bird species. “The next thing we’ll be inside here looking to see can we protect the rat and the mouse,” he told TDs. “No one wants to protect the human beings, that’s the problem here from what I can see.” He said there are fines of thousands of euros if there are breaches of existing fox hunting rules. “Foxes do pose huge threats to farmers, I suppose if you were brought up in rural Ireland you’d understand that.” Healy-Rae said that people “from all corners of Kerry” had got in touch with him “to ensure that we stop this, where it’s being tried to start”. ‘They’re all over the place’ He claimed that 11 out of 12 hens owned by a constituent were killed by a fox. “The numbers have increased dramatically. They’re all over the place. They’re coming into towns and villages. They’re in and out of bins and they are everywhere. “They have taken over, they have completely taken over the place.” Healy-Rae said he was calling a vote on the issue before being told by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that he could not do that. “If I’m going to call a vote, I let you know,” she said. Chief whip Mary Butler said the government was not opposing the bill at first stage but would consider it at second stage. “As is normally the case with Private Members’ Business, the bill will not be opposed at first stage, that is the process. “If and when the bill is listed for second stage, like all other Private Members Business, the government will then consider the matter at that point.” Press Association Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Bill to ban 'cruel and inhumane' fox hunting in Ireland introduced to Dáil”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Bill to ban 'cruel and inhumane' fox hunting in Ireland introduced to Dáil”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion fox hunting People Before Profit-Solidarity Ruth Coppinger News in 60 seconds Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drug driving over Liverpool parade crash Dáil briefly suspended after protesters interrupt debate on ‘Israeli war bonds’ 46 mins ago Not the 51st State King Charles says Canada will stay 'strong and free' in parliament speech amid Trump threats Irish Air Corps to move to five-day week from June as Air Traffic Control crisis deepens Niall O'Connor Humanitarian Aid Sound of gunfire reported as Palestinians try to reach new aid centre Shane O'Farrell's family say they still need answers after State apologises for his death Here's What Happened Today: Tuesday 27 people hospitalised after car struck pedestrians at Liverpool Premier League victory parade Further Education The government has announced the free college courses on offer for the next academic year North Island New Zealand teenager dies after taking part in rugby-inspired craze Premier League 'Big question' is how car that rammed people was on street after parade, Liverpool mayor says more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
For advertisement: 510-931-9107
Copyright © 2025 Usfijitimes. All Rights Reserved.