REVEALED: This is what people think about debate on possible fox hunting ban

A recent poll has revealed that a huge majority of people in Mayo, Connacht and Ireland wish fox hunting to be banned.

Only two days ago, Mayo politician Soairse McHugh published a video message in support of a ban to be discussed in the Dáil on December 17.

McHugh said: "It's an incredibly barbaric, cruel and elitist blood sport. Often politicians who are supporting it would throw around things like rural Ireland as a way to support it. But polling shows that a majority of people do not support blood sports,"

Her claims have gained weight now in the light of a recent poll conducted by Ireland Thinks.

Answering to the question 'Do you think fox-hunting as a sport should be banned in Ireland?', a total of 72% of participants across the country said 'Yes'.

According to Ireland Thinks the poll was conducted in November 25 using a sample size of 1,000 participants, which results in 95% confidence interval at +/- 3.1%.

Also, 62% of people asked said, the 'strongly oppose' hunting animals for sport.

A bill to amend the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 was introduced to the Dáil on May 25 by two People Before Profit TDs Ruth Coppinger and Paul Murphy.

The bill is is coming up for debate on December 17. Find out more here. Coppinger has called on a free vote on the issue, arguing 'TDs who want to protect foxes should not have to follow their party leadership on this issue.'

READ NEXT: Mayo family start fundraiser for father of four battling with his health