I would remind them that opposition to animal cruelty is not the preserve of urban dwellers. Blood spots have been around for a long time, agreed; but that doesn’t exempt them from justifiable criticism or scrutiny. Cock fighting, bear baiting and badger baiting were once deemed parts of our heritage, but we don’t allow them any more. Yet questioning whether that process does actually guard against a breach of the separation of powers is apparently, in itself, a breach of separation of powers. Sexual violence against women and girls should also be eradicated and women and children who experience such awful harm should be encouraged to report.

Source: Irish Examiner November 27, 2020 09:11 UTC