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Hunting with Dogs Bill “unworkable”, BASC tells Stormont committee
BASC has told the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee that the Hunting with Dogs Bill is unworkable because of its implications for firearm certificate holders and dog owners.
BASC Northern Ireland director Tommy Mayne, head of law Dr Alex Murray and head of game and wildlife management Glynn Evans gave oral evidence to the committee at Stormont recently as part of its scrutiny of the bill.
BASC warns bill could criminalise legitimate dog use
The team told the committee that the bill’s broad definition of hunting, which includes “searching for and pursuing” a wild mammal, could catch dogs used in legitimate shooting and countryside activities. They expressed BASC’s disappointment that the bill does not differentiate between shooting with a legally held firearm and hunting with dogs, and that it contains no exemption for the use of a dog when shooting for food.
The bill would also make it an offence to “participate” in hunting a wild mammal with a dog, potentially extending liability beyond the dog’s owner or handler. It would also be an offence for a landowner or occupier to knowingly cause or permit such hunting on their land. BASC warned that this uncertainty could lead landowners to stop permitting shooting and other legitimate activities involving dogs.
Firearm certificate holders face serious consequences
The team highlighted the very serious consequences for a firearm certificate holder accused of an offence under the bill, even an inadvertent one. The PSNI could seize their firearms and designate their home address as “unfit”. This could result in other FAC holders living at the same address also having their firearms seized and retained until the case is concluded.
BASC Northern Ireland director Tommy Mayne said: “BASC is strongly opposed to a ban on hunting with dogs and believes landowners and managers should be able to choose the most effective methods of pest and predator control for their circumstances.
“We welcome the opportunity to present oral evidence, and we thank the chair and members for their engagement over the past year and their rigorous scrutiny of the bill thus far. We made clear to the committee that this bill is unworkable. The committee clearly recognises the significant practical difficulties this bill will cause on the ground, and we look forward to continued engagement as the process moves forward.”
BASC calls for evidence-based approach to legislation
BASC’s head of law, Dr Alex Murray, said: “It is extremely disappointing that, despite hearing our criticisms, the bill sponsor, John Blair MLA, failed to take the opportunity to defend his bill.
“BASC will continue to oppose any changes to policy or legislation that are not based on sound evidence.”
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