Protestors turn out for St Stephen's Day meet

Anti-hunt activists will hold their annual protest at the St Stephen’s Day meet of the Waterford Foxhounds in Tramore today.

It is being organised by the Association of Hunt Saboteurs (AOHS) and BadgerWatch Ireland.

It comes just days after Environment Minister John Gormley imposed 28 strict conditions in relation to the welfare, conservation and protection of the stags and public.

AOHS campaigns director John Tierney said: “There is a marked increase in bloodsports activities during the festive season.

“Throughout Ireland, hunts lay on stage-managed displays of horse and hounds to feed to the general public an innocent image of their sordid activity,” he said.

The AOHS and Badger Watch Ireland reiterated their call for a ban of all forms of live animal hunting.

The demonstration starts at 11am outside the Majestic Hotel, Tramore town centre.