Bloodsports are Ireland’s equivalent of lion-killing

The slaughter of Cecil the lion has attracted worldwide anger. His killer has borne that odium. While this reaction is justified, we must not forget, in Ireland, that we have our own version of Cecil killers.

Ireland’s bloodsports community will shortly commence hunting and killing wildlife for entertainment, for the winter.

The hunting of animals for sport is a man-created right. The cruelty industry that is hunting sustains the culture of the bully. That might is right. That you can use and abuse whoever is weaker than yourself.

As we listen to the twisted logic of those who go out in the countryside to hunt, we realise they are attempting to justify animal abuse.

Hunt-followers can plead tradition, social enjoyment and communication with nature. But none of this verbal whitewash will support the claim that the right to hunt should remain part of what we are. Nothing can, or will, justify killing animals for pleasure.

When the right to hunt is removed, what will be the effect on society? Will society stop evolving and come to a sudden halt. No, it won’t.

The positive aftershocks of a ban on live hunting will be felt at all levels of society. We can finally enjoy a countryside free of animal violence. At last, we can experience nature and its wildlife in peace. No more will the sounds of animals being hunted and killed ring out through the countryside.

John Tierney

Association of Hunt Saboteurs Dublin 1