Renewed call for total ban on fox hunting

PROTESTERS called for a total ban on fox hunting yesterday and reiterated their determination to sabotage such events in the coming months.

Up to 30 members of the Association of Hunt Saboteurs and BadgerWatch Ireland held a protest as the Waterford Foxhounds staged their annual St Stephen’s Day hunt in Tramore.

John Tierney, campaign director for the hunt saboteurs, said it is his organisation’s intention to step up their presence at such meets and to try and disrupt as many as possible.

“We will focus on doing everything we can to disrupt these hunts within the law. It’s our game plan to use horns and whistles to confuse the hounds. If the hunt can’t control the hounds they can’t chase the foxes,” said Mr Tierney.

During the protest, which lasted nearly an hour, protesters held banners condemning fox hunting and called on the Environment Minister John Gormley to ban all bloodsports.

“It is time for our legislators to deal with the issue of bloodsports for once and for all. They must carry out the wishes of their electors who do not wish to have our wildlife abused and killed for entertainment,” said Mr Tierney.

Hunt saboteurs claim that hunting live prey with hounds is a brutal activity and they want it replaced with a less barbaric code of practice.

“We want all forms of live hunting banned and those involved should be made to take up drag hunting instead,” said Mr Tierney.

Drag hunting involves using a lure to lay the scent of the quarry, such as a fox, across fields which the dogs follow instead of chasing after a live animal.

“The annual hunt meet of the Waterford Foxhounds starts in Tramore town centre. How long more must the town of Tramore be linked with animal abuse?” said Mr Tierney.

About 60 riders took part in the hunt, which was held near Ballyscanlon Woods. The demonstration, which was staged outside the town’s Majestic Hotel, involved hunt saboteurs from all over Co Waterford.

Gardaí said the protest passed off peacefully.