The Avondhu

THE END OF FOXHUNTING?

MARIAN ROCHE

The issue of insurance may hamper the future of foxhunting in Ireland, as many clubs are having difficulty obtaining insurance quotes or cover since their premiums finished late last year. For some clubs, the Stephen’s Day hunt took place on foot, while others have seen events cancelled altogether.

The news has been welcomed by those seeking to ban foxhunting and hare coursing, with the Irish Council Against Blood Sports welcoming any move that prevents the activity from continuing.

For many hunting clubs, their insurance lapsed in November 2021. According to Kevin Casey, Huntsman with Galtee Foxhounds, there was until recently just one underwriter for hunting, and that underwriter is no longer offering insurance quotes to clubs. However, Mr Casey, who is also Secretary of the Irish Hunt Clubs Association, says that “things are looking a bit brighter” as it seems that it will be possible to get insurance again soon, but that “the biggest hurdle will be the higher premiums.”

Mr Casey pointed out that the failure of hunting clubs to secure insurance would mean that point- to- point meetings will also be affected, and that the issue is affecting not just hunting, but all equestrian supports.

“If hunts can’t get insurance, it will affect racing as a lot of pointto-points get their insurance through hunting clubs like Galtee Foxhounds. It’s affecting showjumping too. Luckily enough, we have been able to get insurance to do the hunt on foot. It’s great to be able to give the hounds a run on foot. It’s the same thing, just without the horses.”

Earlier this month, the Tipperary Harriers, based in Ballylooby, wondered if they had held the last St Stephen’s Day hunt ‘for some time if not forever’.

WELCOME NEWS IN SOME QUARTERS

However, the news is welcome to many who find foxhunting barbaric and outdated. A Red C poll conducted in September 2019 showed that 77% of respondents supported a ban both on fox hunting and live hare coursing. Of 1,014 respondents, over three quarters supported an outright ban on the activities.

Fox hunting was banned in the UK in 2004, and in Scotland in 2002. Ireland continues to allow the practice, despite opposition by animal rights groups and others.

The Irish Council Against Blood Sports welcomed the news of insurance difficulties for the industry.

”Anything that stops the foxhunters in their tracks is welcome to those of us who oppose this barbaric activity, and we hope that insurance companies continue to refuse cover for their cruel activities.”

‘A BIT OF ENJOYMENT’

Defenders of the sport point to the ‘ tradition’ of foxhunting in Ireland. Kevin points to the generational aspect of the bloodsport.

“Hunting is a tradition that’s there with hundreds of years, and it’s great to see all generations go out on horseback. We had a four year old out and she was just on a lead rein, and it’s nice to see it coming on.”

“There’s a lot of industries involved: saddlers, farriers, vets. There’s a lot of jobs entailed with it. To lose a sport like this is a big hit to people’s jobs and livelihoods.”

The Galtee Foxhounds, a club of approximately 30 members, is based in Kilbehenny. The club also holds fundraising events, including for the Air Ambulance.

“Hopefully when we get going again we’ll be able to raise more money for charity. We only want to go out and do our hunting and it’s a bit of enjoyment, and if we can help people along the way, we will.”

NEWS

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2022-01-13T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-13T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://avondhu.pressreader.com/article/281741272778530

The Avondhu (Ireland)