Councillor Douglas was speaking after protesting in Crawfordsburn. She said the numbers attending were proof of growing support for animal welfare.
“It was good to see so many people at this large peaceful protest, substantially more so than even last year, which reflects the growing opposition to the barbaric slaughter of animals among the public,” she said.
“While today was a drag hunt, it was symbolic of the practice of hunting foxes with hounds, which continues across Northern Ireland. It is shocking in 2018 it is still legal to do just that, particularly as it is illegal across the rest of the UK.
“This issue must continue to be raised and opposed so we can finally see such vicious animal cruelty brought to an end.”