Anti-Hunt Ball demonstration held outside annual Laois Hunt Ball venue

A colourful ‘Anti-Hunt Ball’ took place outside the venue for the annual Hunt Ball in Laois last weekend. 

Demonstrators held the “visual action” performance outside the Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow, where the annual Laois Hunt Ball was being held on Saturday, February 7.

Foxes in black-tie and ball gowns gathered and danced the foxtrot, whilst engaging with ball attendees and members of the public in a light-hearted yet impactful manner. Organisers say the aim of the action was to highlight the alternatives to foxhunting, which they say would allow future ball-goers to celebrate without the guilty conscience. 

This visual action was organised by Rebecca Deegan, a Laois-based artist, wildlife rescue volunteer and student vet nurse. Attendees included representatives from Laois SPCA and Kildare Wildlife Rescue, as well as members of the public concerned about the welfare of foxes, and notably organiser claim, former supporters and attendees of the hunt.

Ms Deegan said: “We are advocating for cruelty-free alternatives to hunting foxes with hounds. Keep the skill, the horses, the hounds, the community – just remove the cruelty.”

“Cruelty-free alternatives include drag hunting, where riders follow a pre-laid artificial scent (no wildlife involved, unlike trail hunting which uses the scent of a fox). This activity keeps the galloping, jumping, teamwork and social element, and is already practised widely in Ireland and the UK. The excitement, skill and tradition remains - just without terrorising wildlife.”

“Other alternatives include scent work such as man-trailing and clean-boot hunting, which are highly enriching for hounds - mentally and physically. The dogs follow human or artificial scents (used by search and rescue teams). Hounds love scent work, it’s what their brains evolved for, and it is so impressive to watch them in action and undoubtedly rewarding for their trainers; no destruction of wild animals needed,” said Ms Deegan. 

Master of the Laois Hunt, David Lalor, said the demonstrators were entitled to their opinion. 

“Nothing extraordinary happened and some of the lads had a bit of fun with them. It was good humoured,” Mr Lalor said of the demonstration. 

He said the ball was one of the biggest to take place in Laois in many years with around 250 people in attendance. 

“We have a large number of members,” said Mr Lalor. “We are one of the lucky ones, we have a strong membership, all from Laois,” he added. 

In relation to alternative hunts which use artificial scents instead of real foxes, Mr Lalor said: “They are entitled to their opinion. We are pretty well regulated, we have been for years.” 

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He was speaking from his farm in Ballacolla where lambing was taking place. 

“There is a couple of lambs missing overnight,” said Mr Lalor. He said “I don’t begrudge an odd lamb to a fox. We depend on them for sport.” 

The most recent RED C survey found that 73% of people believe the bloodsport of foxhunting with hounds should be banned, with just 14% opposed to a ban. The poll also showed that opposition against the practice is strong in rural Ireland, where 68% favour a ban.

Attendees of the Anti-Hunt Ball noted the positive comments and interactions from many Laois Hunt ball-goers; several of whom they said chose to spend a lot of time engaging in respectful, meaningful conversation with the activists.