There comes a point in any political campaign when rhetoric must give way to reality, when assertions must withstand scrutiny and opinions must give way to the facts. For John Blair MLA, along with his proposed Hunting with Dogs Bill, that time is now.
With the return of the Northern Irish government to Stormont after their summer recess, one particular matter has the undivided attention of the Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI): John Blair and his proposed Hunting with Dogs Bill. Upon their return the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) is set to begin their evidence sessions for John Blair’s Bill. However, the CAI wants to ensure before any proceedings start that Mr Blair is once more remined of the facts, that the Committee is fully cognisant of the Bill before them, and that the evidence is clearly laid out for all elected members of Stormont to read, in the form of an open letter.
John Blair has repeatedly presented his Bill as a matter of urgent animal welfare based on fact, telling all who will listen of the supposed cruelty of hunting and how his Bill has been carefully targeted solely to put an end to hunting with dogs, constructed in such a way as to cause few repercussions for the wider countryside and its community. However, what happens when these claims are tested? This is precisely what this open letter addressed to Mr Blair has done, putting him in a rather awkward position as the Countryside Alliance Ireland await his response.
It is important to clarify the purpose of this letter is not to once more reenact the age-old hunting debate, from which the arguments against hunting have long been proven to be discreditable, but rather this letter is to challenge the assumptions behind the Bill. To demonstrate its inconsistencies, display its shortcomings and remove the tiresome smoke and mirrors from the question.
The letter raises concerns about animal welfare, predator control, conservation and the practical realities of the management of the Northern Irish countryside. It questions whether by removing one method of control you will automatically produce better outcomes, and whether the wider “unintended” and detrimental consequences for the countryside have been properly understood. The letter cites and is supported by peer-reviewed research, such as the finding of the Burns Inquiry and Lord Bonomy’s review, and is also backed by legal opinion from the former Attorney General John Larkin KC. These are not matters nor supporting factors that can be simply swerved or avoided, they must be addressed.
At its heart the open letter contains a simple proposition: if this Bill is genuinely evidence-led legislation, then prove it. If our concerns are misplaced, demonstrate it. If the Bill will deliver the benefits you claim, show how. Because as it stands, Mr Blair, your rhetoric has been met with reality, your opinions have been met with facts, your assertions have and will continue to be scrutinised over the coming evidence sessions, and your Bill is simply not holding up.
The countryside is not a political slogan and wildlife management cannot be understood through a simple morality tale. Predator control, farming, conservation and animal welfare are deeply connected, shaped by the practical realities of landscape management at scale which protects both flora and fauna diversity, all while supporting rural communities. Any legislation that seeks to intervene in this network must recognise the complexities and be grounded in full understanding before any attempts are made to impose change.
The letter is therefore more than a mere defence of hunting against yet another ill-informed attack; it is a challenge to the basis on which this Bill is being advanced. Now the questions have been put directly and are clear for all to read. The letter has been sent and the opportunity to answer is now, Mr Blair. The Countryside Alliance Ireland, the media and the Northern Irish countryside await your response.