Ending Fox Hunting with Dogs for Sport
The NSPCA believes that animals should not be subjected to unnecessary suffering for sport or recreation.
Fox hunting with dogs remains lawful in Ireland despite growing public concern about animal welfare and changing societal attitudes towards the practice. While wildlife population management may sometimes be necessary, the NSPCA believes there is a clear distinction between population control measures and the hunting of foxes with dogs for sport.
Why This Matters
Fox hunting with dogs can involve prolonged pursuit, fear, stress and suffering for the animals involved.
The NSPCA believes that causing unnecessary suffering for sport is incompatible with modern animal welfare standards.
What we are calling for
The NSPCA supports the introduction of legislation to prohibit the hunting of foxes with dogs for sport in Ireland.
We are advocating for a targeted and practical approach that:
Prohibits the hunting of foxes with dogs for sport.
Prevents the use of dogs to flush or dig foxes from underground dens for recreational purposes.
Closes potential loopholes that could allow hunting activities to continue under alternative names or practices.
Clearly distinguishes fox hunting for sport from legitimate wildlife population management activities.
We believe any legislative reform should be informed by evidence, public consultation and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Progress So Far
Public support for reform continues to grow.
An NSPCA-commissioned opinion survey found that:
- 82% of people in Ireland support a ban on fox hunting with dogs for sport.
- 68% disagreed with the Dáil’s decision not to progress a ban on fox hunting in 2025.
There has also been significant progress in Northern Ireland, where legislation to prohibit hunting with dogs has advanced through the Assembly legislative process.
The NSPCA will continue to engage with policymakers, stakeholders and the public to build support for legislative change in the Republic of Ireland.
