A Green Party organised anti-fox hunt protest has been held in Co Down.
Organisers claimed more than 200 people attended the protest in Crawfordsburn on New Year’s Day.
It is understood the hunt event was a 'drag hunt', which means that hounds chase a specially laid scent rather than an actual fox.
Ards and North Down Green Party councillor John Barry last night said he was delighted by turnout.
"The protest was double the size it was last year,” he said.
“We are opposed to all forms of animal cruelty.”
Unlike Britain, fox hunting is not banned in the north but Mr Barry said opinion polls show there would be support for such a move.
“Eighty per cent of people want to ban fox hunting, the majority of people are opposed to this practice and there’s no need for it.
“It’s a cruel sport and needs to be banned.
“Resistance is fertile and not futile in terms of demonstrating public opposition to this.”
