Anti-hunt protests call for ban on bloodsports

ANTI-HUNTING groups last night called on the Government to immediately introduce legislation that will outlaw bloodsports in the new year.

The Association of Hunt Saboteurs (AOHS) and BadgerWatch Ireland made the call after holding protests at St Stephen’s day hunts in Waterford and Meath.

“It’s time for our legislators to deal with this issue. They must carry out the wishes of their electorate who do not wish to have wildlife abused and killed for entertainment” AOHS campaigns director John Tierney said.

Close to 100 protesters attended anti-bloodsports demonstrations in Tramore, Co Waterford, and at Kells in Co Meath yesterday morning. In Tramore, independent town councillor Eddie Walsh tied himself to a pole as part of the protest. “Our protest is designed to remind the hunt and its supporters that we find their activities to be an abhorrent attack on our wildlife,” Mr Tierney said.

AOHS also condemned children participating in hunts during Christmas. But the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association (IMFHA) said yesterday’s protests endangered the safety of children involved in hunts nationwide.

“St Stephen’s day is a real family day out and we’re very worried children might be injured given that these people want to sabotage hunts,” IMFHA’s Brian Munn said.

Mr Munn also said: “We are surprised BadgerWatch Ireland was involved in the demonstration because badger bating is an activity we’re opposed to as much as anyone else.”