Call for Taoiseach to ban fox hunting

An animal rights group has urged the Taoiseach to ban fox hunting.

St Stephen's Day hunts - which involve a pack of hounds following the scent of the fox in open countryside - took place across Ireland yesterday including in Co Kildare.

But Animal Rights Action Network said it will be pushing Taoiseach Enda Kenny to introduce legislation in the New Year to ban the tradition.

Spokesman John Carmody added: "Ireland's beautiful fox is tormented, chased and persecuted by hunts during a time when we should be spreading peace and goodwill.

"Ireland would be rated 'fail' if this small country was to be scored on its animal welfare record, but until politicians have the backbone to do more then sadly all this suffering and cruelty will continue."