Christmas protest in Laois against fox hunt ‘realities’

Laois Hunt has defended the ongoing holding of its annual hunt following a local protest mounted in Abbeyleix against the 2026 staging of the Laois Christmas hunt.

Rebecca Deegan, who says she is an artist, wildlife rehabilitation volunteer and student veterinary nurse from Laois, led the event, which said the demonstration on St Stephen's Day was to “educate” the public and highlight the “growing opposition” to hunting foxes for sport.

While David Lalor, Laois Hunt Master, accepted the right of the campaigners' protest, he insisted hunting has the support of a majority of the public, adding that the hunt is not 'indiscriminate' in taking life and does more for wildlife than those against hunting.

Ms Deegan said attendees included many residents, representatives from the National Animal Rights Association (NARA), the Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LSPCA), and Kildare Wildlife Rescue, as well as valued political support from Laois Social Democrats and the Party for Animal Welfare (PAW).

In a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, she said participants carried banners and homemade placards informing the public about the “realities” of fox hunting.

“While hunts are often seen as traditions, they involve using hounds to chase the fox over a long distance, which causes stress, fear, and potential injury, often resulting in a brutal death.

“A key point of the demonstration was to highlight humane alternatives that keep the social, sporting and pageantry elements of the hunt without harming wildlife. Activities like drag hunting and man-trailing allow riders and hounds to participate in challenging and rewarding work while avoiding cruelty and stress for wild animals. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: Laois Hunt members met by protestors at the Laois Hunt St Stephen’s Day meet in Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey

“Polling consistently shows strong public support for banning fox hunting in Ireland. The protest reflected a belief that traditions can evolve and adapt to keep respect for animals and the environment at the forefront,” she said.

Ballacolla farmer David Lalor, Laois Hunt Master for 35 years, agreed that the protestors had a right to take streets. He generally had no problem with the conduct of the demonstration other than the use of a megaphone, which upset some younger horses and ponies.

He said an alternative to hunting using foxes had been tried 20 years ago, but without success.

“We are all farmers here, and we understand that the fox population has to be controlled.

“We are not indiscriminate. We just take out wounded or diseased foxes. Nobody knows more about the fox population than the hunters, and it is not in the hunters' interest to deplete the fox population,” he said.

He said the hunt works to maintain the environment.

“We do more than the anti-hunters ever do. We maintain habitats,” he said.

He disagreed that public opinion has turned against hunting and pointed to the defeat of a bill to ban hunting in the Dáil by a large majority of TDs before Christmas.

He said 110 local participants, mainly farmers, with 90% of the people who turned out in Abbeyleix were in support of the hunt.

“In fact, we got an incredible cheer,” he said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: David Lalor leads out at the Laois Hunt St Stephen’s Day meet in Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey

Mr Lalor dismissed the claim that hunting in Ireland has its roots in English rule and is a pursuit that goes back to the time of Chú Chulainn.

Mr Lalor said the Government regulates hunting, while the hunt groups also self-regulate with extra measures.

The Laois Hunt and the protest group thanked the Gardaí for ensuring the protest and the hunt gathering took place without problems.

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Hunting in Ireland grabbed the headlines in Ireland during the 2025 Presidential election when Heather Humphreys defended her support for the activity, calling it a "rural pursuit".

The British Government announced before Christmas that it is to ban drag hunting. Fox hunting was banned by the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales. It is still legal in Northern Ireland.