Ban the hunting of foxes with packs of dogs on horseback in Ireland

"Fox Hunting", as a bloodsport, is a stain on our image as nation of compassionate, progressive people. This barbaric practice involves the trailing of a fox over miles of countryside by "hunters" on horseback, accompanied by throngs of dogs, where a successful result involves the fox being torn to shreds by the pack, and the bloodied trophy being held aloft for all to cheer.

This "sport" originated amongst the English gentry, was imported to our country during its colonial past, and has since been banned in it's native home. There is nothing culturally significant about this practice that warrants it's tolerance in our society. We have laws in place to prevent animal cruelty, to punish those who willfully harm animals for their own entertainment, yet we seem unable to shed ourselves of this practice. 

It should be clear to most, that in the recent presidential election, the refusal by a particular candidate to disavow this practice was influential in their inability to connect with the Irish public. This shows that the average Irish man or woman has no interest in condoning this savage behaviour, it's willful and wanton destruction of our wildlife, and our disgust at the practice as a whole.

We have a tangible opportunity now, on the back of this momentum, to see a real change. There is a motion coming before the Oireachtas on the 17th of December, to debate the banning of this practice once and for all. This is a chance for us to have our voices heard, to show that we, as a nation, have no interest in condoning these ruthless and sadistic activities, and are ready to consign them to the dustbin of history, alongside pitch-capping, hedge schools, absentee landlords, and all the other trappings of post-colonialism we have already overcome.

Please, if the thought of this practice is something that catches in your throat and makes your stomach churn, as it does mine, then take a moment to sign this petition, to have your voice heard, and to hopefully make a change for the better, and to speak up for the native creatures of this island, who have no voice of their own.