On a fateful Sunday, the 5th of November 2023, we lost our beloved cat Coco to an out-of-control pack of hounds that illegally trespassed onto our property. The trauma and damage caused by these hunters are often dismissed as 'collateral damage', leaving victims like us with little recourse. This incident is not isolated but part of a larger issue - hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland, including fox hunting and other forms of hunting involving hounds.

This practice is not only barbaric but also unwanted by the clear majority of people in the country. According to a survey conducted by League Against Cruel Sports (2016), 84% of people in Northern Ireland support banning fox hunting. Yet, despite public opinion and the evident cruelty involved, this form of hunting remains legal.

We believe it's time for change - for legislation that respects animal rights and reflects public sentiment against such cruel practices. We miss our sweet Coco dearly and hope that her tragic loss can be a catalyst for change.

We urge you to sign this petition calling on lawmakers to ban all forms of dog-assisted hunting in Northern Ireland immediately. Let's ensure no more innocent animals fall victim to such needless violence.