Countryside Alliance Ireland

13/06/2026

13/06/2026

Countryside Alliance Ireland is delighted to be at the Hound Show today at the Armagh Show!

If you’re attending the show, be sure to pop along and see some of the fabulous hounds on display. The standard of hounds on show is outstanding, making it a great day for all involved.

A special congratulations to the East Down, who are off to a fantastic start, taking top honours in the first two classes of the day. Well done to all concerned!

We look forward to seeing everyone throughout the day. 🐶🏆

12/06/2026

🐾 A great day out for dog lovers, country sports enthusiasts and the whole family! 🐾

The Countryside Alliance Ireland is delighted to help promote the Burren Working Dog Show, taking place on Saturday 25th July at Greenan Road, BT34 2PT.

From hounds, whippets, terriers and lurchers to strong dogs and children's handling classes, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. With racing after the show, fly tying and fishing stalls on site, and a fantastic community atmosphere, it's set to be a brilliant celebration of our rural traditions and working dogs.

📍 Greenan Road, BT34 2PT
🕛 Show starts at 12 noon
💷 Admission £5 (Under 16s free)
🏆 £3 entry per class
🐕 Racing after the show

Most importantly, all proceeds from the event will be donated to Evora Hospice Care, making this a wonderful opportunity to support a worthy cause while enjoying a fantastic day in the countryside.

We encourage members and supporters to come along, bring the family and support this excellent local event.

🐾🇮🇪

03/06/2026

🚨 DOG OWNERS, WORKING DOG HANDLERS AND DOG WALKERS – HAVE YOUR SAY 🚨

Ards and North Down Borough Council is consulting on new dog walking restrictions that could have far-reaching consequences for dog owners across the Borough.

One of the biggest concerns is the apparent lack of publicly available evidence demonstrating that these proposals are necessary or proportionate. Responsible dog owners already comply with existing laws, while councils already have powers to tackle dog fouling, dangerous dogs and dogs that are out of control.

The consultation also raises important questions about the potential impact on working dogs. Many working dogs, including assistance dogs, search and rescue dogs, gundogs, sheepdogs and other trained working animals, rely on regular off-lead exercise, training and socialisation. It is unclear whether the proposed restrictions have fully considered the needs of these dogs and their handlers.

If the proposal is adopted:

Individuals may walk 1-4 dogs at any one time

Groups (e.g., two professional walkers) may walk dogs together, but each person must not exceed the limit

Enforcement officers may request details from any individual in control of a dog

Failure to comply may result in fixed penalty notices or further enforcement action

Before introducing further restrictions, the Council should explain:

❓ What evidence shows there is a widespread problem requiring additional controls?

❓ Why existing enforcement powers are not sufficient?

❓ What assessment has been carried out regarding the impact on working dogs and their handlers?

❓ How these proposals will affect responsible dog owners who already follow the rules?

Whether you support or oppose the proposals, this consultation is your opportunity to have your say. If you believe the proposals are unnecessary, unsupported by evidence, or could have unintended consequences for responsible dog ownership and working dogs, make your views known.

📢 Respond to the consultation here:
https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Responsible-Dog-Walking

Please share this post with dog owners, working dog handlers, trainers, clubs and local residents. Decisions like this should be based on evidence, not assumptions.

02/06/2026

🚨 SAVE OUR POINT-TO-POINT RACING 🚨

Many people don’t realise that point-to-point racing and hunting are closely linked. Point-to-points are organised and run by hunts, and for generations they have provided a vital grassroots entry point into horse racing.

The skills developed through hunting are also recognised within the racing world, with rider licensing relying on confirmation of experience and competence gained through hunting activities. For many jockeys, hunting and point-to-point racing are the first steps towards a career in the sport.

John Blair’s Hunting with Dogs Bill threatens more than hunting itself. It risks undermining the very foundations of grassroots horse racing, affecting point-to-point meetings, local communities, volunteers, landowners, trainers, jockeys, and the many rural businesses that depend on these events.

Point-to-point racing is a proud rural tradition that raises significant funds for local causes, brings communities together, and provides an essential training ground for both horses and riders.

If you care about the future of grassroots racing and rural life, please help us oppose this legislation. Share this post, speak to your MLA, and support the campaign to protect point-to-point racing before it’s too late.

Our sport, our communities, and our traditions deserve to be heard.

28/05/2026

Countryside Alliance Ireland welcome and appreciate the decision by the Department of Justice and the Minister to listen to the concerns raised by CAI regarding the proposed amendments to fi****ms licensing fees and the “banded system.”

Thank you to the DOJ and the Minister for taking the time to properly consider the issues highlighted during the consultation process and for recognising that aspects of the proposals required further reflection. The withdrawal of the consultation demonstrates the importance of public pressure, constructive engagement and meaningful consultation with the shooting community and all affected stakeholders.

This outcome shows that respectful, evidence-based concerns as raised in our e lobby can make a difference when people work together and make their voices heard.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, engaged, took the time to complete the e lobby and stood up for fair and practical licensing proposals.

27/05/2026

The Department of Justice has announced that controversial proposals to dramatically increase fi****ms licensing fees in Northern Ireland have been ditched, following fierce backlash from the rural community and a fierce campaign from Countryside Alliance Ireland.

26/05/2026

Breaking: We fight on!

John Blair's Hunting with Dogs Bill was today (26 May) voted through by the Assembly at its second reading, despite stark warnings from NI's former Attorney General that the legislation would be devastating for rural communities.

It was patently obvious during the debate today that many MLAs supporting this Bill hadn’t taken the time to understand it. This is a shockingly poor way to legislate. The people of Northern Ireland deserve better.

We will continue to press MLAs to reject this unjustified and indiscriminate legislation at the next stage. Put simply, it cannot stand up to serious scrutiny.

The countryside will be watching closely. Rural people will not forget those using the rural way of life as a political football.

We will fight this appalling Bill through to the very end.