Blair provides Hunting Bill update at USPCA meeting

SOUTH Antrim Alliance MLA John MLA was invited to speak at this year’s USPCA Annual General Meeting to give members an update on his Bill to ban hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland.

He said: “I was pleased to be invited to speak at the USPCA’s Annual General Meeting to update members on my Bill to ban hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland.

“This Bill represents a crucial step forward in strengthening animal welfare legislation, and I believe it will have a significant impact on the protection of animals across our communities.

“Hunting with dogs is a brutal pastime, rooted in outdated traditions, and it has no place in a progressive, compassionate society.

“My public consultation on the Bill made it clear that there is a strong, widespread desire in Northern Ireland to consign hunting with dogs to the past.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the USPCA for all their work in advocating for animal welfare and for their continued support for my Bill.

“It was good to have the opportunity to engage directly with USPCA members about animal welfare issues and to discuss the progress and aims of my proposed legislation.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the USPCA and others as my Bill progresses, and also through the All Party Group on Animal Welfare, which I proudly chair.”