Shannon urges careful consideration in next stage of Hunting Bill
Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, has written to the MLAs making the decisions on the Hunting Bill to urge caution to be taken as the Bill passes through its Committee stage. He has emphasised the strong feelings involved as both politicians and public engage in debate.
Jim Shannon said: “I had a recent meeting with local country sports enthusiast Bill Montgomery to discuss the deep anxieties felt across the rural sector.
“While presented as a simple ban on fox hunting, a formal legal opinion by former Attorney General John Larkin KC warns the Bill is disproportionate, unclear, and potentially breaches Convention rights.
As the legislation moves toward the Committee Stage, MLAs must be fully aware of the valid concerns held by law-abiding, conservation-minded country sports enthusiasts.
The text risks extending far beyond its stated aim, creating severe unintended consequences for ordinary dog walkers, farmers, and rural businesses.
Key Concerns Shared with Legislators:
- Criminalising Innocent Behavior: Due to an absence of intent (mens rea) requirements, ordinary dog owners or farmers could face prosecution if a dog off-lead chases a wild mammal without the owner’s instruction.
- Rural Impact: Legitimate pest management, shooting sports, and the training of gundogs could be severely restricted, damaging rural economies and wildlife conservation efforts.
- Policing Pressures: The Bill creates major enforcement difficulties for the PSNI, risking an influx of vexatious complaints at a time of severe justice budget constraints.
- Flawed Data: Questions have been raised over the independence of public surveys heavily relied upon by the Bill’s sponsor, John Blair MLA, which were assisted by campaign activists.
“Following my discussions with local enthusiasts like Bill Montgomery, it is clear that our rural community feels deeply threatened by this poorly drafted legislation. As legislators, we have a duty to ensure laws are proportionate, evidence-based, and legally sound.
Jim Shannon maintains that the Bill is not fit for purpose in its current form and added: “As it progresses to the Committee Stage, he says colleagues must fully understand and respect the valid concerns of law-abiding conservationists and country sports enthusiasts rather than rushing through a flawed law.”
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Celebrating the 75th Anniversary Of The Strangford Lough Wildfowler Conservation Association
Strangford MP Jim Shannon has congratulated the Strangford Lough Wildfowler Conservation Association (SLWCA) on their 75th anniversary and spoke after attending their celebratory Clay pigeon shoot at the Field of Dreams, followed by a BBQ.
He said that the organisation began in 1950 following the Wild Bird Protection Act, and since then it has transformed into a premier regional force for habitat management, species protection and legislative advocacy.
Its dedication to wildlife preservation has been recognized nationally by winning the prestigious BASC Stanley Duncan Trophy on three separate occasions
He added: “It is good to see the SLWCA doing so well and that 75 years later they are continuing their conservation work.
“The association originally began as the locals who were shooting wildfowler on Strangford Lough came together recognising the need to preserve the wildfowlers habitat and promote sustainable shooting practices.
“There have been so many changes over the years and added pressure on Strangford Lough from other competing sources, with sports like surfing, paddleboarding, yachts and the National Trust itself. Â As a result, there is much less of the fore shore left to shoot in.
“I was once a member of Comber Wildfowler and took a National Trust shooting Permit in the past, but as life moves on, I have been unable to pursue wildfowling as I once did.
“However, SLWCA have stood the years and are continuing their conservation and shooting.
“It is because of their perseverance and dedication that they can continue to enjoy their sport.
“At 75 years young the SLWCA are very much a part of society and I hope are for another 75 years and beyond.”
