Alliance Party MLA John Blair has reintroduced a private member's bill to ban hunting wild animals with dogs in Northern Ireland. The legislation returned to the Northern Ireland Assembly five years after rejection in 2021.

The 2021 vote failed 45 to 38. Sinn Féin directed its MLAs to oppose the measure, favouring regulation instead of a ban. The Democratic Unionist Party controlled agriculture and environment then, with minister Edwin Poots declining support.

Alliance now leads that portfolio under minister Andrew Muir. Northern Ireland remains the only UK part allowing the practice.

Sinn Féin members at their annual conference voted narrowly to back a ban on fox hunting. Party president Mary Lou McDonald stated members determine policy. The party has not detailed its stance on this bill.

The bill entered formally on Monday without debate. A second reading will determine if it advances.

Countryside Alliance Ireland director Gary McCartney called the bill misguided. He said rural residents face threats to livelihoods and economies amid cost-of-living pressures and health service strains. McCartney questioned prioritising it over core issues.

In 2024, the League Against Cruel Sports and Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals launched a petition to illegalise sport hunting of animals.