Countryside Alliance Ireland

28/05/2026

Countryside Alliance Ireland welcome and appreciate the decision by the Department of Justice and the Minister to listen to the concerns raised by CAI regarding the proposed amendments to fi****ms licensing fees and the “banded system.”

Thank you to the DOJ and the Minister for taking the time to properly consider the issues highlighted during the consultation process and for recognising that aspects of the proposals required further reflection. The withdrawal of the consultation demonstrates the importance of public pressure, constructive engagement and meaningful consultation with the shooting community and all affected stakeholders.

This outcome shows that respectful, evidence-based concerns as raised in our e lobby can make a difference when people work together and make their voices heard.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, engaged, took the time to complete the e lobby and stood up for fair and practical licensing proposals.

27/05/2026

The Department of Justice has announced that controversial proposals to dramatically increase fi****ms licensing fees in Northern Ireland have been ditched, following fierce backlash from the rural community and a fierce campaign from Countryside Alliance Ireland.

26/05/2026

Breaking: We fight on!

John Blair's Hunting with Dogs Bill was today (26 May) voted through by the Assembly at its second reading, despite stark warnings from NI's former Attorney General that the legislation would be devastating for rural communities.

It was patently obvious during the debate today that many MLAs supporting this Bill hadn’t taken the time to understand it. This is a shockingly poor way to legislate. The people of Northern Ireland deserve better.

We will continue to press MLAs to reject this unjustified and indiscriminate legislation at the next stage. Put simply, it cannot stand up to serious scrutiny.

The countryside will be watching closely. Rural people will not forget those using the rural way of life as a political football.

We will fight this appalling Bill through to the very end.

26/05/2026

Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) has been at Stormont today, warning politicians and the media of the dangers John Blair’s Hunting with Dogs bill poses to not only the countryside, but every dog owner.

A vote will be held today by MLAs on the bill’s future. CAI will be fighting this terrible legislation through to the very end.

There’s still time to lobby your MLA. It takes seconds. Click here➡️ https://www.countryside-alliance.org/reject-john-blairs-hunting-with-dogs-bill

26/05/2026

This is exactly why so many rural people oppose blanket hunting bans. Responsible dog owners, farmers and gamekeepers shouldn’t risk prosecution because a dog follows its natural instincts outdoors. Good legislation should target genuine cruelty, not criminalise countryside life and working dogs.

Hunting supporters say ban leaves dog owners at risk of prosecution

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where hunting with dogs is still permitted.

23/05/2026

Your Weekend News Letter on Saturday May 23 2026

22/05/2026

John Blair's bill is an unjustified attack on rural communities across Northern Ireland - it could potentially see farmers and even dogwalkers facing prosecution.

Fight the ban by signing our e-lobby NOW - it takes seconds. Link in comments ⬇️

21/05/2026

https://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/no-justification-to-ban-hunting-with-dogs-countryside-alliance/

Countryside Alliance Ireland has been lobbying MLAs to oppose an upcoming vote in the on whether hunting with dogs should be banned.

21/05/2026

This Bill is a direct threat to working gundogs, countryside management, and rural livelihoods.

Sinn Féin and every MLA should think very carefully before backing flawed legislation driven by ideology instead of evidence. The countryside will not accept laws that criminalise responsible rural traditions and practical wildlife management.

Sinn Fein urged to 'think very carefully' about Alliance hunting bill - as pro-ban group admits gundog restrictions

19/05/2026

🚨 Rural Voices Must Be Heard – Take Action Before Next Week’s Crucial Vote 🚨

With MLAs preparing for a key vote next week, this is the moment to stand up for our countryside, our traditions, and the people who live and work in rural communities.

Attempts to divide town and country through political point-scoring cannot go unchallenged. Northern Ireland’s countryside deserves respect, not culture war politics.

📝 Complete our e-lobby today and send a clear message to your MLA: support evidence-based policy and stand up for rural communities.

Every voice matters. Every submission counts.

https://www.countryside-alliance.org/reject-john-blairs-hunting-with-dogs-bill

👉 Take 2 minutes to complete it now and help make sure rural Northern Ireland is heard loud and clear.



https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/minister-accused-of-stoking-culture-war-between-town-and-country-after-condemning-hunting-as-mlas-prepare-for-key-vote-next-week-8554028

The Alliance minister in charge of rural affairs has been criticised for describing hunting as “wrong” and “cruelty to animals” ahead of a key Stormont vote on banning the use of dogs in the practice.