Animal rights campaign escalates

Animal rights activists have called for tougher laws as they step up the campaign against blood sports, fur farming, and abuse.

Hundreds of activists staged a march in Dublin yesterday as welfare groups demand heavier penalties in the revised upcoming Animal Health and Welfare Bill.

John Carmody, director of Animal Rights Action Network (Aran), said: “As a nation we should be hanging our heads in shame that we’ve turned our backs and a blind eye to the immense amount of animal abuse taking place in Irish society.