Bloodsport cruelty - where do MEPs stand?

The views of MEPs in relation to bloodsports and other animal cruelty issues. If your representative is in favour of animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions.

Here we look at the views of MEPs. To see the views of TDs and Senators, please visit our Political Views page.

Views of MEPs

Lynn Boylan MEP (Sinn Fein, Dublin)
In October 2014, Lynn Boylan voted in favour of a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Despite the support of 323 MEPs, the amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

Matt Carthy MEP (Sinn Fein, Midlands North West)
In October 2014, Matt Carthy voted in favour of a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Despite the support of 323 MEPs, the amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

In October 2013, the Irish Council Against Blood Sports thanked Monaghan County Councillor Matt Carthy for proposing a motion condemning illegal cockfighting in Monaghan. The motion - "Monaghan County Council condemns the practice of cock-fighting and we call on the Gardai to initiate a major crackdown on this practice in our county" - was adopted unanimously.

Nessa Childers MEP (Independent, Dublin)
In October 2014, Nessa Childers voted in favour of a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Despite the support of 323 MEPs, the amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

"Nessa is fervently anti-coursing." from an email from the office of Nessa Childers MEP, December 2011.

Signed a Eurogroup for Animals animal welfare pledge, including "I will strive to ensure that animals are recognised as sentient beings in all legislation that comes before the Parliament and strive to ensure all existing animal welfare related legislation is properly enforced..."

Deirdre Clune MEP (Fine Gael, South)
In October 2014, Deirdre Clune refused to support a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Along with her three Fine Gael colleagues, Deirdre Clune abstained in the vote. The amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

As a TD in 2010, Deirdre Clune voted AGAINST the Bill which banned staghunting.

Brian Crowley MEP (Fianna Fail, South)
Brian Crowley MEP gave a speech at the AGM of animal shooting organisation, NARGC. A notice on the NARGC website stated: "MEP, Brian Crowley gave an after-dinner gave an after-dinner speech that rendered him a long applause and a standing ovation at the end...I heard semi-inebriated men talk in sheer awe in the early hours of Sunday morning about Brian's ability to speak with such fluency and knowledge on the principle issues close to the hearts of all NARGC members." NARGC members are responsible for the deaths of thousands of wild creatures every year.

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, TD (Independent, Midlands North West)
On 27th March 2013, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan supported an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw fur farming.

Marian Harkin MEP (Independent, Midlands North West Constituency)
"It would appear logical to me that drag hunting should provide better enjoyment for horse riders. Since galloping and jumping would appear to be central to enjoying a day out, there is certainty of getting that every day with a drag. The drag...is also an advantage in going only where riders are welcome and would also avoid the damage caused to lands and fences which often occurs in a random hunt." (as a TD in March 2004).

"I oppose live hare coursing and will support any measure which aims to restrict or eliminate it." (as a TD in October 2003)

In 2005, Marian Harkin TD voted in favour of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004 which sought to ban fur farming in Ireland. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50.

Brian Hayes MEP (Fine Gael, Dublin)
In October 2014, Brian Hayes refused to support a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Along with his three Fine Gael colleagues, Brian Hayes abstained in the vote. The amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

"Fine Gael has committed to reversing the ban on stag hunting. As a Party, we are not opposed to countryside sports..." Brian Hayes TD in an email to an ICABS supporter, February 2011.

Billy Kelleher MEP (Fianna Fail)
In June 2016, as a Cork North Central TD, Billy Kelleher abstained/was not present in the vote on Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan's bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing. The bill was defeated by 114 votes to 20 (with the remaining 24 TDs abstaining/not voting). In 2016, 2017 and 2018, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€80 million/€84 million of taxpayers' money to horse and greyhound racing. In March 2013, Billy Kelleher voted against an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on fur farming in Ireland. Billy Kelleher also voted against the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004.

Sean Kelly MEP (Fine Gael, South)
In October 2014, Sean Kelly refused to support a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Along with his three Fine Gael colleagues, Sean Kelly abstained in the vote. The amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

Mairead McGuinness MEP, (Fine Gael, Midlands North West)
In October 2014, Mairead McGuinness refused to support a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Along with her three Fine Gael colleagues, Mairead McGuinness abstained in the vote. The amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

"On tonight's The Frontline we'll debate animal rights and rural Ireland. We'll be joined by Mairead McGuinness MEP (who opposes John Gormley's measures) [to ban carted deer hunting]..." From a Frontline programme statement, 22 Mar 2010.

Liadh Ní Riada MEP (Sinn Fein, South)
In October 2014, Liadh Ní Riada voted in favour of a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Despite the support of 323 MEPs, the amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

Northern Ireland MEPs

Martina Anderson MEP (Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland)
In October 2014, Martina Anderson voted in favour of a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Despite the support of 323 MEPs, the amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

Diane Dodds MEP (DUP, Northern Ireland)
In October 2014, Diane Dodds voted in favour of a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Despite the support of 323 MEPs, the amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

Jim Nicholson MEP (UUP, Northern Ireland)
In October 2014, Jim Nicholson voted in favour of a European Parliament Budget Amendment which sought to end massive subsidies to barbaric bullfighting. Despite the support of 323 MEPs, the amendment was rejected because it didn't secure a qualified majority.

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