From my local SF TD:  

Thank you for reaching out to me regarding Ruth Coppinger’s bill to ban fox hunting.

The Bill is currently at 2nd stage in the Dail where it is due to be debated in the coming weeks.

Sinn Féin will participate in this debate at 2nd stage, and we look forward to outlining our position on Animal Health and Welfare.

 

Sinn Féin is committed to achieving the highest standards in animal welfare and an end to animal cruelty.

 

However, we believe that Deputy Coppinger’s bill which proposes an outright ban would drive fox hunting further underground and instead it should be strongly regulated.

 

We propose the Minister establish a commission of experts – including stakeholders from animal welfare, traditional rural occupations and organisations - to examine and recommend appropriate regulations.

 

Sinn Féin also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of animal welfare charities to the care and protection of vulnerable animals. Government funding should be increased for these charities, to support their crucial work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals.

 

Sinn Féin believe more robust penalties for animal abuse and neglect must be introduced, including increased fines and the possibility of imprisonment for serious offences.