Hunting with Dogs Bill

Overview

The Hunting with Dogs Bill was formally introduced by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on 27 April 2026. The Bill completed its Second Stage on 26 May 2026, and was referred to the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for scrutiny (the Committee Stage of the Bill).

The Hunting with Dogs Bill proposes to prohibit the use of dogs to hunt, attack, or kill wild mammals. The policy objectives of the Bill are to:

• prohibit the use of dogs to hunt, attack, or kill wild mammals; and
• close off any potential loophole where trail hunting is used as a smokescreen for illegal hunting.

Why your views matter

As part of the Assembly’s normal legislative processes, the Hunting with Dogs Bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) for scrutiny and evaluation.  

The Committee is seeking views from stakeholders on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill.

Your views will help to inform the AERA Committee’s consideration of the Bill and any recommendations it may suggest as it moves to the next stage of the legislative process.