Councillor Brown said Alliance would bring a private member’s bill to the new mandate which would include a ban on hunting with dogs, the use of snares and wild animals in circuses, a move East Belfast candidate Chris Lyttle had attempted in the previous Assembly before its collapse.
“Animal welfare is a priority for Alliance and for many other people, yet the last Executive failed to respond to widespread public support for such moves. This is compared to David Ford, who while Justice Minister, increased the maximum available custodial sentence and fines available to those found guilty of the most serious animal cruelty crimes.
“Alliance remains committed to this issue and it is one we will continue to work on until such horrifying cruelty is completely eliminated. We will prioritise bringing a private member’s bill to the next Assembly to achieve a ban on such barbaric pastimes.
“Northern Ireland should confine them to the history bin. It is the only humane option and one which Alliance will continue to pursue.”