SDLP MLA warns of 'widespread concern' for gunowners in Northern Ireland over hunting ban bill
Legal warnings about the wider impact of a proposed hunting ban on other sports can’t be dismissed – and there is “widespread concern” amongst those involved in shooting, an SDLP MLA has warned.
Patsy McGlone was speaking as four of the five main parties backed the progression of an Alliance bill to ban hunting with dogs, legislation which will now face further scrutiny.
At the weekend, the News Letter reported the view of the former NI attorney general that the law would ban the use of dogs in shooting.
John Larkin KC said it would effectively outlaw all hunting of wild mammals for food if a dog is used – and leaves dog walkers “starkly exposed to criminal liability”, in a legal opinion commissioned by the pro-hunt group Countryside Alliance.
Addressing that warning during yesterday’s debate, Mr McGlone (pictured) said “we just can't poo poo that away” – and said concerns about “unintended consequences” must be clarified.
Backing the bill’s progression to the scrutiny stage, the Mid Ulster SDLP MLA said: “The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, (BASC) have also taken legal advice and have concerns about the implications of ‘searching for and pursuing’, and the scope of criminal liability, amongst others.”
He said BASC also raised legal concerns over potential criminal liability for dog walkers, and warned of “a widespread concern” among those who hold firearms for sporting purposes. He cited an example of shooters who go out in a group with a number of gundogs, whose animals would be considered a pack – and therefore illegal – under the plans.
Anyone who “accidentally” fell within the scope of the bill, could face losing their firearms certificate, the SDLP MLA warned.
“This law, as it currently stands at the moment, their firearms are lifted, their firearms are taken,” he said.
“Just so that people understand this too, there goes something on their file that, whenever it comes to reconsideration – if, for example, it's determined that in fact the person wasn't breaking the law – something goes on their file as to whether they may or may not be a fit person because they have come to the notice of police, so just bear that in mind,” Mr McGlone said.