Countryside Alliance lobbying

A spokesperson said: “There is no denying that we are facing the most serious threat to country sports for 20 years with Labour’s policies in GB creating an equal threat to both hunting and shooting for the first time.

“Trail hunting would become impossible under Labour’s Animal Welfare policy which pledges to bring forward further legislation on hunting.

“Not content with a commitment to ban hunting again, it is also Labour policy to consider banning grouse shooting and to bring in restrictions on game farming. Beyond even that, it is committed to looking at horse and greyhound racing as well.

“A prime example of the issues we face are the continued attempts by the Alliance party in Northern Ireland to undermine the legitimate and vital activity of hunting with dogs. We have long been endeavouring to educate Northern Ireland’s politicians as to the many benefits that legitimate and responsible country sports provide and we find ourselves yet again having to defend our rural way of life to people who quite simply don’t understand how the countryside works, nor, it seems, do they wish to.

“Countryside Alliance Ireland shall continue to do everything in our power to fight those that oppose our rural way of life. Therefore we ask you to contact your local candidates asking them for support of our campaigning priorities and to ensure they are aware of the importance of country sports and the benefits they bring to the community, environment and economy.”