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Animal Voice, Issue 6, June 2014
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01. Meath deer hunt under investigation
01. Meath deer hunt under investigation
The Department of Arts and Heritage says it is investigating a report that a deer was hunted across the Meath countryside in apparent breach of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010.
ACTION ALERT
According to the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010, "a person who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence." If you reside in the area where the Ward Union operates, please familiarise yourself with the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010 and report any breaches to the Gardai.
02. Irish Rail to take action over hunters on Tipperary track
Irish Rail will be pursuing a foxhunt which came on to a railway line near Cloughjordan in Tipperary.
ACTION ALERT
Urge Irish Rail to prosecute any hunts that trespass on to railway lines. Tell the company that, in the interests of public safety, they must immediately act to prohibit hunts from coming anywhere near tracks, including the use by hunts and their horses/hounds of unattended level crossings. Unattended level crossing must be made off-limits to hunts, particularly as Irish Rail has acknowledged that a collision with animals could derail a train.
03. Kilkenny priest urged to stop hunt blessings
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports is calling on a County Kilkenny priest to end the practice of hunt blessings. The call comes after the emergence of photographs showing Fr Nicholas Flavin of Dunnamaggin parish performing a blessing of foxhunters on the grounds of a church.
ACTION ALERT
Ask Fr Flavin to denounce foxhunting, exclude hunting from future parish letters and announce an end to hunt blessings.
04. Farmers Against Foxhunting condemn hunt blessing
Farmers Against Foxhunting and Trespass have strongly condemned the blessing of a foxhunt by a parish priest in County Kilkenny.
05. Meet Ireland's rarest native mammal
Watch a video showing the pine marten - Ireland's rarest native mammal. After watching, please support our action alert which calls on the National Parks and Wildlife Service to reject any further licence applications for killing this creature.
ACTION ALERT
Join us in urging the NPWS to reject any future applications for licences to kill the rare pine marten species.
06. Revealed: Bloodsports enthusiasts at Coveney's "animal welfare" conference
While the Irish Council Against Blood Sports (which campaigns for a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of animal cruelty - fox hunting, hare coursing and terrierwork) was denied an invitation to Simon Coveney's recent "Animal Welfare" conference, we can reveal that representatives of all three bloodsports were invited to attend the Dublin Castle event.
ACTION ALERT
Sign our petitions:
07. Hare coursers back on Galway Bay's Island Eddy
Documents obtained by ICABS under the Freedom of Information Act show that a coursing club has been back to interfere with the hare population on a small, uninhabited Galway Bay Island.
ACTION ALERT
Express your support for a ban on coursing. Sign our petition
08. Coursing enthusiasts snare hares on Galway Bay island
Coursing enthusiasts snare hares on Galway Bay island
09. Minister Coveney: I am aware a large body of people want coursing banned
The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney has acknowledged the huge opposition to Ireland's cruel hare coursing.
ACTION ALERT
Please appeal to the Minister for Agriculture to remove an exemption for hare coursing from the Animal Health and Welfare Act.
10. Irish rugby player apologises for puma BBQ photo
Irish rugby player, Felix Jones, has apologised over a photograph which shows him posing with a dead puma in Argentina.
11. Dog fighting banned in Costa Rica
Great news from Central America! A new law which bans dog fighting in Costa Rica came into effect on May 29th.
12. Warner Music's Madrid venue a "huge economic boost" to bullfighting
Warner Music is providing a "huge economic boost" to an animal cruelty blackspot by choosing it as a winter concert venue.
ACTION ALERT
Ask Warner Music to show compassion for the bulls that suffer and die in Las Ventas bullring and disassociate from this animal cruelty venue.
13. Iglu Cruise thanked for removing suggestion to watch bullfight festival
The UK's largest independent cruise agent, Iglu Cruise, has been thanked for removing from its website a suggestion to "watch the San Isidro bullfighting festival".
ACTION ALERT
Join our appeal to other companies to remove bullfighting from their websites. Check out our latest anti-bullfighting Action Alerts - http://www.banbloodsports.com/ln130720.htm
14. Holiday Transfers thanked for removing suggestion to attend bullfight
Holiday Transfers has been thanked for removing from its website a suggestion to "attend a bull fight".
15. Abercrombie & Kent thanked for removing bullfight references from website
Villas and chalets holiday company, Abercrombie & Kent, has been thanked for removing references to bullfighting from its website.
16. Burleigh Travel thanked for removing bullfight references from website
Sports tour specialists Burleigh Travel have been thanked for removing references to bullfighting from their website.
17. New petition: Ticketmaster: Stop selling bullfighting tickets
Please sign and share our new petition and help us convince Ticketmaster to stop selling tickets to cruel bullfighting https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/ticketmaster-stop-selling-bullfighting-tickets
18. Council moves to ban animal circuses
Irish Examiner, June 10th 2014
19. Call for ban on sulky racing following abandonment of injured horse
Irish Examiner, June 8th 2014
20. Baby foal beaten to death and set alight by teenage gang
Irish Independent, 19 June 2014
21. Political Focus: Niall Collins, TD (Fianna Fail, Limerick)
Fianna Fail justice spokesman Niall Collins is in the news this month for a hand-written letter he sent to a judge pleading for leniency for a criminal caught with €17k of drugs. (Source: Irish Independent http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/ff-driver-joins-justice-spokesman-in-asking-judge-not-to-jail-drug-dealer-30368071.html )
ACTION ALERT
Ask Fianna Fail to back a ban on bloodsports.
22. Dail Questions and Answers
Thank you to Maureen O'Sullivan TD and Clare Daly TD for continuing to raise animal cruelty issues in Dail Eireann. Here are some of their latest Dail Questions and Answers...
"I don't see why anyone on a horse with dogs should go anywhere near a railway track. It's lunacy. There's no other word for it. It just doesn't make sense to me why anyone would risk their horses and dogs. It just doesn't add up. And even crossing the track, you couldn't really stand over that either. So I think somebody needs to change where they're doing their foxhunting. Apart altogether from the substantive issue of whether foxhunting is a desirable occupational pursuit or not." Tipp FM's "Tipp Today" presenter, Seamus Martin, 20th June 2014.
Ban Blood Sports in Ireland Now
Minister Coveney: Save Irish hares from cruel coursing
Irish Government: Save foxes and dogs from horrific cruelty
Minister Simon Coveney: Ban ALL Tail Docking - No Exemptions
Stop badger snaring cruelty NOW
Stop sponsoring hare coursing in Ireland
Protect the Irish Hare
End Cruel Blood Sport of Fox Hunting in Ireland
Limerick Racecourse: Stop hosting cruel hare coursing
Coillte - Ban hunters from your forests
National Trust - stop allowing hunters and terriermen on your land
Ban Fur Sales on eBay
Stormont Northern Ireland Assembly: Ban Fox and Stag Hunting in Northern Ireland
Ban Torturous Hanging of Greyhounds in Spain
Dunnes Stores: Lift Ban on Animal Charities Fundraising
Arts Council of Ireland: Stop funding animal circuses
Stop the EU funding bullfighting
Stop Torturing Bears: End Bear Bile Farming In China
Add report option "Animal Abuse" on Facebook
End Bullfighting in France
STOP Spain's cruel and barbaric Toro de la Vega
Protect Pygmy Rabbit from Extinction
Please make a donation to ICABS
If you like our work, please consider making a donation. The Irish Council Against Blood Sports relies entirely on your generosity to continue our campaigning for an end to blood sport cruelty.
Please become a supporter of our work today - click on the Paypal button at www.banbloodsports.com to make a donation or send a cheque made payable to ICABS to ICABS, PO Box 88, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Ireland. Thank you very much.
Top ways you can help the campaign
Keep hunters off your land
Make it known publicly that your land is off-limits to hunters. Place a preservation notice in your local newspaper now. Here is a sample notice that you may wish to use: "Take notice that all my lands at [Insert address(es) of land] are private and preserved day and night. All forms of hunting and shooting are strictly prohibited. Trespassers will be prosecuted. Signed [Insert name(s) of landowner]" For more information, click on Farmers at www.banbloodsports.com
Tune in to the ICABS Channel
Footage of blood sport cruelty and the humane alternatives can be viewed
on the ICABS Channel on Youtube - www.youtube.com/icabs or by clicking
on "Videos" at www.banbloodsports.com Please ask your local TD/Senator
to view our videos and back a blood sports ban.
Animal Voice - Subscribe
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Make a donation to ICABS
Please consider making a small donation to ICABS. For more details, please click on the button below or
follow this link to find out how to become a campaign supporter. Thank you.
Campaign newsletter of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports
02. Irish Rail to take action over hunters on Tipperary track
03. Kilkenny priest urged to stop hunt blessings
04. Farmers Against Foxhunting condemn hunt blessing
05. Meet Ireland's rarest native mammal
06. Revealed: Bloodsports enthusiasts at Coveney's "animal welfare" conference
07. Hare coursers back on Galway Bay's Island Eddy
08. Coursing enthusiasts snare hares on Galway Bay island
09. Minister Coveney: I am aware a large body of people want coursing banned
10. Irish rugby player apologises for puma BBQ photo
11. Dog fighting banned in Costa Rica
12. Warner Music's Madrid venue a "huge economic boost" to bullfighting
13. Iglu Cruise thanked for removing suggestion to watch bullfight festival
14. Holiday Transfers thanked for removing suggestion to attend bullfight
15. Abercrombie & Kent thanked for removing bullfight references from website
16. Burleigh Travel thanked for removing bullfight references from website
17. New petition: Ticketmaster: Stop selling bullfighting tickets
18. Council moves to ban animal circuses
19. Call for ban on sulky racing following abandonment of injured horse
20. Baby foal beaten to death and set alight by teenage gang
21. Political Focus: Niall Collins, TD (Fianna Fail, Limerick)
22. Dail Questions and Answers
23. Campaign Quotes
24. Petitions
Responding to a 19th June Dail Question from Maureen O'Sullivan TD, Minister Jimmy Deenihan stated: "My Department is aware of the article in question and the matter is under investigation."
The article, in the latest edition of Irish Countrysports magazine, outlines that during a hunt in Curragha, Co. Meath last December, the Dunshaughlin-based Ward Union hunt pursued a deer with a pack of hounds.
The report states: "An outlier [a deer left out from a previous hunt] was known to be in the Kilbrew area and was put afoot at Andy Johnston’s from where he moved to Gargan’s and on through to Garry Burke’s at Frankstown. This hunt had been in a big circle and this proved to be a very unenterprising customer who entered Garry Burke’s plantation, briefly came out again and was then lost...Michael Delaney had a second outlier on his property and [Ward Union huntsman] Pat Coyle went looking for him. After a slow start, hounds pushed him on towards Cabin Hill before he took them back across Brackenstown Road leading towards Dunshaughlin. From here he performed a large circle before again heading towards Dunshaughlin..."
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports has also called for a Garda investigation into what appears to be a breach of the legislation which makes it clear that "a person who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence."
For the phone numbers of Garda stations, please visit: http://www.garda.ie/Stations/Default.aspx
In a tweet to ICABS, Irish Rail has said that they are "investigating the specific incident" and that they "wrote to the umbrella body for hunts advising [that] trespass [is] illegal and intent to prosecute".
Speaking on Tipp FM on June 20th, Irish Rail Corporate Communications Manager, Barry Kenny, confirmed that the company will be investigating the incident and taking action.
It comes after ICABS highlighted a magazine article which outlines that last November, hunters "rode along the rail line for a few minutes, not trotting because the sharp stones could cause foot-bruising..."
Mr Kenny acknowledged that the article "would appear to be extremely clear evidence that there was a trespass".
ICABS spokesperson Aideen Yourell pointed out on the Tipp Today show that this is the latest in a long line of incidents involving hunters on rail tracks. She stressed the need for Irish Rail to take decisive action to deter further incursions.
"Trespass for any purpose is illegal, it's dangerous and it's quite stupid," Barry Kenny commented. "While this particular line, at that particular point, isn't the busiest rail line, we have engineers' trains that operate outside of scheduled hours. The people who trespass, for whatever purpose, are putting themselves in danger and potentially putting the train, its passengers and driver in danger as well."
Tipp Today presenter, Seamus Martin summed up the issue as follows: "I don't see why anyone on a horse with dogs should go anywhere near a railway track. It's lunacy. There's no other word for it. It just doesn't make sense to me why anyone would risk their horses and dogs. It just doesn't add up. And even crossing the track, you couldn't really stand over that either. So I think somebody needs to change where they're doing their foxhunting. Apart altogether from the substantive issue of whether foxhunting is a desirable occupational pursuit or not."
Email: info@irishrail.ie
Tel: 01-83 66 222
Leave a comment on Facebook: www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireann
Tweet to @IrishRail
If you witness a hunt trespassing on rail lines, urgently contact Iarnrod Eireann. Their emergency number is 01 8555 454. After alerting Iarnrod Eireann, please send the details to ICABS. Thank you.
The images, taken next to St Eoghan's Church in Kilmoganny last November, show the parish priest standing next to a pack of hounds and sprinkling holy water on mounted members of the Kilmoganny Hunt.
To see an image of Fr Flavin blessing the hunt, visit this Facebook page
In a letter to Fr Flavin, the Irish Council Against Blood Sports pointed out that blessing hunts is contrary to a 2003 announcement by the Irish Bishops Conference that the bishops "would not condone the practice of priests blessing foxhunts".
In foxhunting, foxes are chased to exhaustion and ripped apart by packs of hounds. Hunt terriers are sent after foxes who desperately try to escape underground, leading to horrific injuries for both foxes and dogs.
"Given the cruelty to animals involved in Ireland's appalling foxhunting, hunt blessing are inappropriate in the context of paragraph 2416 of the Catholic Catechism," we told Fr Flavin, quoting the paragraph in question which states: "Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence, they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St Francis of Assisi or St Philip Neri treated animals." Also quoted to Fr Flavin was paragraph 2418 of the Catechism which outlines that "it is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer and die needlessly."
ICABS also expressed disappointment to Fr Flavin on the inclusion of hunting groups in his Christmas 2013 parish letter. Welcoming newcomers to the parish, he states in the letter: "It is hoped that you will integrate fully into the parish community and take an active part within the parish in whatever activity/activities attract you most."
Fr Nicholas Flavin
Parochial House
Dunnamaggin
Co Kilkenny
Tel: 056-7728173
Mobile: 087-2257498
Email: napflavin@eircom.net
Ask the Bishop of Ossory, Seamus Freeman to act to stop hunt blessings.
Seamus Freeman, SAC
Bishop of Ossory
Ossory Diocesan Office,
James's Street,
Kilkenny
Tel: 056-7762448
Email: bishop@ossory.ie
Urge the President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference to act to stop hunt blessings.
Cardinal Sean Brady
Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland
President, Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference
Ara Coeli, Armagh BT61 7QY
Email: admin@aracoeli.com
Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 2045
Tel: 048-3752 2045 (from the Republic)
Send a copy of your correspondence to the Papal Nuncio
His Excellency The Most Rev Charles John Brown
Apostolic Nuncio
The Apostolic Nunciature
183 Navan Road
Dublin 7
Tel: +353 (0)1 838 0577
Fax: +353(0)1 838 0276
Responding to a photograph posted online which shows Fr Nicholas Flavin throwing holy water at hunters, FAFT chairman Philip Lynch said that instead of blessing hunters, Fr Flavin should be "reminding them of their Christian duty of care towards farmers and animals".
Mr Lynch said that hunt blessings by the clergy are unacceptable not only due to the "terrorising and injuring of animals, both domestic and wild" but also due to the history of hunters around the country damaging farmland, fences and crops and verbally abusing and assaulting landowners.
"Maybe I am judging the priest wrong," quips Philip. "He could be giving them absolution on hearing their confession."
Landowners wishing to keep hunters off their land are invited to visit the Farmers Against Foxhunting and Trespass website at
http://farmersagainstfoxhunting.wordpress.com/
Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-hCaSMi0AM
Wildlife Licensing Unit
National Parks & Wildlife Service
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Ely Place, Dublin 2
Tel: 01 888 3289
Email: wildlifelicence@ahg.gov.ie
As a major anti-cruelty protest took place outside the castle, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney addressed an audience which included foxhunters, hare coursers and terriermen.
In reply to a 27th May Dail Question from Clare Daly TD - who asked why "members of groups involved in cruelty to animals, such as hunters, were invited to the animal welfare conference" - Minister Coveney confirmed that "delegates from the Hunting Association of Ireland were in attendance". The Hunting Association of Ireland represents foxhunting as well as the bloodsports of hare hunting, deer hunting and mink hunting. Despite being aware of the cruelty of foxhunting, Minister Coveney chose to include in his Animal Health and Welfare Act, an exemption from prosecution for foxhunters.
According to a report in the Irish Farmers Journal of 22 May, a "man from a hare coursing association" was also present at the conference and spoke to Minister Coveney. Hare coursing involves netting hares from the wild and using them as live lures for greyhounds to chase. Hares suffer fear and stress and those hit and mauled by the dogs are at risk of suffering painful and life-threatening injuries such as broken bones and dislocated hips. Every coursing season, hare injuries and deaths are recorded. As with foxhunting, Minister Coveney ensured that his "animal welfare" legislation included an exemption for coursing.
Representatives of terrierwork - the appalling act of sending terriers underground to attack foxes and other cowering creatures - were also invited to the "animal welfare" event (confirmed in a statement from a terrierwork group who said "members accepted an invitation to attend"). Minister Coveney and his officials are very aware of the obscene cruelty of terrierwork. We have furnished them with video footage, images and information which makes it abundantly clear that this activity causes horrific suffering to Irish wildlife. But instead of banning terrierwork and digging-out, Minister Coveney (who previously said he found the practice to be "unacceptable") is intent on introducing a so-called code of conduct - as if anything but a ban, could protect animals from the inherent cruelty.
Another pro-hunting group invited to the conference was Horse Sport Ireland. This Department of Agriculture-funded body presents hunting as an "equestrian discipline" and includes a claim on its website that "the hunting field is an ideal nursery for both horse and rider". Horse Sport Ireland also shamefully directs people who want "more information on your local hunt club" to contact the Hunting Association of Ireland, providing a contact email address and phone number.
Also in attendance at the conference was the president of the Irish Farmers Association - Eddie Downey. According to a foxhunting website: "Eddie is a great supporter of hunting, shooting and fishing." At a hunt in Co Meath last year, he was photographed shaking hands with hunters and thanking them for their support. As deputy president of the IFA in 2010, Downey was one of the speakers at a RISE gathering in Waterford which protested against the Green Party's work to ban carted deer hunting. In a statement headed "Pro-hunting campaign welcomes farming support", RISE stated at the time that "Vice President of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Eddie Downey, has given his organisation’s support to the campaign. Mr Downey said the campaign to defend hunting and other traditional rural sports was an integral part of the wider battle to defend rural Ireland."
In embracing bloodsports enthusiasts and lacking the courage to ban their cruelty, Simon Coveney and his officials have betrayed our wildlife. His Animal Welfare Act paves the way for cruelty to continue and so dooms defenceless creatures to untold suffering and death.
Please join us as we continue pushing, with renewed determination, for an end to foxhunting, hare coursing, terrierwork and all acts of cruelty.
Minister Coveney: Save Irish hares from cruel coursing
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/minister-simon-coveney-replace-hare-coursing-with-drag-coursing
"Irish Government: Save foxes and dogs from horrific cruelty"
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/irish-government-save-foxes-and-dogs-from-horrific-cruelty
Please contact the Minister for Agriculture and demand a ban on bloodsports (foxhunting, hare coursing, hare hunting, mink hunting, digging-out, terrierwork, etc)
Minister for Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Email: minister@agriculture.gov.ie
CC: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie (An Taoiseach)
Tel: 01-607 2000 or LoCall 1890-200510.
Fax: 01-661 1013.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimonCoveney
Tweet: @simoncoveney
The documents show that on 8th November last, a member of Galway and Oranmore coursing club, accompanied by a National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger, landed on Island Eddy following a hare coursing meeting and deposited a total of 16 hares there. It is unclear if these particular hares had previously been taken from the island (as has happened ahead of past coursing seasons) but according to the conditions of the licence granted to coursers, "the same numbers of hares must be released back into the wild at the same locations from which such numbers were captured, unless otherwise agreed beforehand with the relevant National Parks and Wildlife Service staff".
A National Parks ranger indicates in the documents that hares were "released in the same location that they were captured", adding that "we are dependent on info from coursing club as to where they captured the hares."
The records show that the 16 Island Eddy hares were among a total of 83 netted for Galway and Oranmore's coursing meet on 6th and 7th November 2013. At this meet, five hares were hit by greyhounds and two hares were pinned to the ground as they tried to escape.
This is the latest instance of coursers coming on to idyllic Island Eddy. Previously, Galway and Oranmore coursing club removed 12 hares from the island for a coursing meeting at which five hares were struck and one died.
ICABS is renewing its call on Galway politicians to intervene to protect the hares. "Hares are a much loved part of Galway's wildlife heritage and the Galway Bay hares should be allowed to live in peace, free from persecution," we stated.
This issue was discussed on MidWest Radio. You can listen to the discussion at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvOifFAueEk
Minister Coveney: Save Irish hares from cruel coursing
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/minister-simon-coveney-replace-hare-coursing-with-drag-coursing
Please appeal to the Minister for Agriculture to remove an exemption for hare coursing from the Animal Health and Welfare Act.
Simon Coveney, TD
Minister for Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Email: Simon.Coveney@oireachtas.ie
Tel: 01-607 2884 or LoCall 1890-200510.
Fax: 01-661 1013.
Urgently contact An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and An Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore. Ask them to ban hare coursing and give permanent protection to hares.
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny
Department of the Taoiseach,
Government Buildings,
Upper Merrion Street,
Dublin 2
Telephone: 01-6194020
Fax: 01-6764048
Email: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie
Connacht Tribune, 5 June 2014, by Ciaran Tierney
Animal rights campaigners are claiming that the wild hare population of a small island on the eastern shores of Galway Bay could be decimated by coursing enthusiasts who snare them for events on the mainland.
The Campaign for the Abolition of Cruel Sports (CACS) has expressed concern this week after discovering that Island Eddy, near Ballinderreen, was used as a location to snare 16 hares over the past live coursing season.
A report by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) rangers, obtained under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, shows that 16 were conveyed to the island following a coursing meeting last November.
Surviving hares are normally returned to where they were captured following a coursing event, leading CACS to believe that they had all been snared on the island.
The report obtained under FOI comes four years after the members of a coursing club gave an undertaking to cease capturing the wild animals on Island Eddy.
“We believe that this use of Island Eddy to promote hare coursing could damage the attraction of Galway Bay itself, renowned as it is in song and story, and feted worldwide as one of Ireland’s key tourist destinations,” said John Fitzgerald of CACS.
Mr Fitzgerald said the coursing enthusiasts visited the uninhabited island on boats in order to capture the animals for coursing events from September to February.
“Not content to allow these gentle creatures live out their short, humble, inoffensive lives in peace, the coursers have gone to the island in their boats and captured the hares with nets. The animals were then used at coursing events, where they were chased and terrorised for ‘sport’,” he said.
http://connachttribune.ie/coursing-enthusiasts-snare-hares-galway-bay-island/
Responding to questions from ICABS President, Maureen O'Sullivan TD, Minister Coveney stated: "I am aware that a large body of people, including the Deputy, would like to see coursing banned."
Deputy O'Sullivan was highlighting the fact that "90 per cent of the Irish Coursing Club's funding is provided by dog registration fees". Her proposal to transfer the function of greyhound registration from the ICC to the Irish Greyhound Board was, however, rejected by the Minister.
Maureen went on to describe the suffering being caused to hares netted from the wild and used as lures for coursing greyhounds.
"The National Parks and Wildlife Service has detailed the extent of the injuries suffered by the hares through mauling and tossing and pinning to the ground," she told Minister Coveney. "In my view, it is incongruous and it does not make sense, that people who own greyhounds, regardless of their views on coursing, must pay that registration fee to the coursing club."
"Coursing is illegal in many other jurisdictions, including Northern Ireland and Britain, Australia and New Zealand and most of continental Europe, yet coursing with live hares is carried on in this country, in spite of the fact that so many polls show that much of public opinion is against it," she continued. "Why should a greyhound owner who is against coursing have to pay fees to the Irish Coursing Club to register and name a greyhound? It is known that Bord na gCon has financial difficulties and that the track industry is in trouble. I hope the [Indecon report on Bord na gCon] will make a recommendation and, if so, that the Minister will consider it favourably."
Responding to this, Minister Coveney said that if the report makes recommendations, he has "an open mind about implementation and change". "So far as I am concerned, there is nothing untouchable here," he added.
Referring to possible recommendations in the report in relation to hare coursing, the Minister said: "I am aware that a large body of people, including the Deputy, would like to see coursing banned. We had that discussion in the context of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill and we decided to take a different route. If the review makes recommendations for future adjustments and changes in that area, we will consider it."
Asked by Maureen "why can the mechanical hare, which is used in track racing, not be used in coursing so that live hares are not used and injured?", Minister Coveney replied: " I acknowledge the Deputy's genuine concerns and views in this area."
Read the full exchange at
http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2014-05-08a.30&s=speaker%3A294
Simon Coveney, TD
Minister for Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Email: Simon.Coveney@oireachtas.ie
CC: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie
Tel: 01-607 2884 or LoCall 1890-200510.
Fax: 01-661 1013
Sign the petition - Minister Coveney: Save Irish hares from cruel coursing
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/minister-simon-coveney-replace-hare-coursing-with-drag-coursing
The Munster fullback, and member of the Irish squad, is seen in the image holding the animal along with a suggestion that it was about to be cooked.
"Big thanks to Mary and John who had us over for BBQ puma the other night," he tweeted, alongside the hashtag #AndesMountainCraic
The photo prompted negative feedback from fans, with one branding it "disgusting and so wrong". Others said "why is this a good thing?? Stupid stupid stupid!!!!" and "not something to be proud of".
The image was subsequently removed. "Apologies for any misunderstanding caused by my tweet last week," Felix Jones stated. "The photo was of a taxidermy specimen, we did not kill or eat any Puma."
The puma is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Red List of Threatened Species". The species is in decline, largely due to hunting, trapping and habitat destruction. In 1996, puma hunting was prohibited in most of Argentina. Puma hunting is also banned in Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Uruguay.
Animals 24-7 reports that "the dogfighting bill, authored by legislator Walter Cespedes and endorsed by both Humane Society International and American Stafford Costa Rica, significantly raises the penalties for dogfighting. The only fine previously levied against a convicted dogfighter in Costa Rica was $200. As well as increasing fines, clarifying that dogfighting is a criminal offence, and providing prison sentences of up to three years for dogfighting, the dogfighting bill prohibits any activity that might cause aggression, abuse or injury to dogs."
Gustavo Fallas of Costa Rican news website AmeliaRueda.com outlined that "from now on, you will need to have a permit to become the owner of [pitbull] dogs and people must go through psychological testing to prove their mental balance, as with weapons."
According to a report in The Telegraph, Warner invested 4 million euro in Las Ventas bullring and has installed a new roof which allows it to host music events during the winter. Where bulls are slowly tortured and killed during the summer, Warner is holding music events between October and March.
"The project will allow the staging of cultural and sporting events during the cold winter months and provide a huge economic boost at a time of dwindling income from bullfighting itself," the Telegraph report outlined.
It is feared that Warner's winter roof may also lead to additional bullfights being staged outside the summer season. Asked if this was a possibility, an individual connected to the venue stated: "If the fans demand it, of course yes."
ICABS has appealed to Warner to disassociate from the cruelty venue.
"With millions around Europe opposed to bullfighting and as an increasing number of Spaniards shun bullrings, it is truly sad that Warner has chosen to give a lifeline to one of the world's worst animal cruelty hellholes," we stated in a message to Warner CEO Stephen Cooper. "Your concerts will be held in a space drenched in death, haunted by the agonised cries of bulls brutally tortured and killed. Warner's association with animal cruelty casts a dark shadow across your company's image and we appeal to you to please show compassion for the animals and end your association with this bullring."
Stephen Cooper, CEO
Warner Music Group
75 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10019
Email from: http://www.wmg.com/contact
Tel: (212) 275-2000
Tweet to: @warnermusic
Leave a comment on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warnermusicgroup
Following an ICABS appeal in which we highlighted the cruelty of bullfighting, the cruise company deleted the reference to bullfighting.
Iglu's response is a big help to our ongoing campaign to encourage holidaymakers to avoid visiting bullrings.
We thank them for this compassionate move. Find out more about their cruise deals to over 3,000 ports in 30 destinations at http://www.iglucruise.com/
Iglu Cruise joins a growing list of companies which have responded positively to ICABS appeals and removed references to bullfighting or bullrings. These include American Airlines, EasyJet, Jet2holidays, Marriott International, Hilton Hampton, Ebookers, Club Travel, Abbey Travel, Sunways, Low Cost Holidays.ie, Travel Department, Cancun Holidays Information Center, Co-op Travel, Ultimate Travel, No Fly Cruising, City Breaks 101, Original Travel, Escape Trips, Charter Travel, NY.T.Roma Hotel, Exclusive GP, Just Resorts, IceLolly.com, Burleigh Travel, Abercrombie & Kent and Holiday Transfers.
Sign our petition - "Ticketmaster: Stop selling bullfighting tickets" - https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/ticketmaster-stop-selling-bullfighting-tickets
If you choose to holiday in a bullfighting country (Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela), please do not visit bullfighting arenas or museums. Avoid purchasing any bullfight-related souvenirs. Join the international campaign against bullfighting. Please register your opposition to this horrific blood sport with the governments and political representatives of bullfighting countries as well as to the local Ambassadors.
Contact the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland to register your opposition to bullfighting. Express your desire to see bullfighting banned throughout all of Spain.
The Spanish Ambassador to Ireland
Embassy of Spain
17A Merlyn Park, Dublin 4.
Email: emb.dublin@maec.es
Tel 1: +353 (0)1 2691640
Tel 2: +353 (0)1 2692597
Fax: +353 (0)1 269 1854
Following an ICABS appeal in which we highlighted the cruelty of bullfighting, the airport transfers company deleted references to Spanish bullfights.
Responding to our appeal, a spokesperson stressed that the company "in no way endorses blood sports or any cruelty to animals".
Holiday Transfers' response is a big help to our ongoing campaign to encourage holidaymakers to avoid visiting bullrings.
We thank them for this compassionate move. Find out more about their airport transfer service (available in over 9,000 resorts and cities and 90 countries worldwide) at http://www.holidaytransfers.com
Following an ICABS appeal in which we highlighted the cruelty of bullfighting, the Cheltenham-based company deleted a suggestion to attend a bullfight as well as details about bullrunning and bullfighting in Pamplona.
Responding to our appeal, a company spokesperson said: "You’re absolutely right. Thank you for making us aware. These posts have now been edited."
Abercrombie & Kent's response is a big help to our ongoing campaign to encourage holidaymakers to avoid visiting bullrings.
We thank them for this compassionate move. Find out more about their luxury villa and chalet holidays at http://www.akvillas.com
Following an ICABS appeal in which we highlighted the cruelty of bullfighting, the Gloucestershire-based company deleted a suggestion to "visit a traditional bull fight."
A spokesperson said he agreed with our comments and stressed that the company had "never booked or promoted this activity".
Burleigh Travel's response is a big help to our ongoing campaign to encourage holidaymakers to avoid visiting bullrings.
We thank them for this compassionate move. Find out more about their sports tours at http://www.burleightravel.co.uk
By Sean O’Riordan
Cork County Council has taken the first step to introducing bylaws which would ban circuses that use performing animals.
At the first full meeting yesterday of the new 55-seat council, a motion was tabled by Sinn Féin councillor Kieran McCarthy, who said it was well-documented that animals are suffering in circuses and it was time to ban such cruelty.
“Forcing them to perform and keeping them locked up in cages is wrong,” he said.
Mr McCarthy said the animals were akin to “slaves” and “captives”. He said support groups such as the ISPCA were opposed to using animals as circus acts.
Circuses which do not use performing animals still provided good entertainment and the county council should be encouraging them instead, he suggested.
“Only those should be welcome,” said Mr McCarthy. “Seven city and town councils have already passed bylaws preventing it [animal acts]. There’s no place in this day and age for using animals in circuses.”
Party colleague Paul Hayes said he had seen a behind-the-scenes video of the treatment of animals in circuses and described it as “very disturbing.”
Fianna Fail councillor Margaret Murphy O’Mahony also leant her support to the motion, pointing out it was not natural for animals to be forced to dance, or sit on chairs.
“It’s the threat of physical punishment which makes them do it,” she said.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/council-moves-to-ban-animal-circuses-271508.html
There has been a call for a ban on sulky racing, following an incident in which an injured pony was left at the side of a road after crashing into a fence.
It happened in Tipperary town, where the pony was abandoned after being driven into a fence while being raced.
Passersby by came to the animals aid and Gardaí called the ISPCA.
A sulky is the lightweight, two-wheeled cart with a seat for a single driver, and harnessed to a horse.
The organisation is calling for an end to what it calls this "life threatening activity".
The Alliance for Animal rights previously called for a ban after a horse died in February taking part in a race near Horse and Jockey, also in Tipperary.
Last October another sulky pony was abandoned and died at the side of the Limerick to Cork road after it crashed into a parked car.
An animal rights group has hit out at the ‘barbaric’ killing of a two-week-old foal which was beaten to death before being set on fire by a gang of teenagers.
The gruesome attack took place in Castlepark in Galway city over the weekend and saw a group of young teens torture the animal and it’s mother before killing it.
The horrific assault was witnessed by a number of people including children as young as nine.
Investigators for the Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (GSPCA) have opened a probe into the matter and will be passing all information onto gardai.
Margaret O’Sullivan of the GSPCA said the attack was nothing short of horrific.
“The foal was only about two weeks old. There was a gang of children and young teens involved. They beat it until it died. To do the damage they did they would have had to use sticks or stones,” she said.
In a disturbing twist the foal’s tormentors set fire to the young animal after it’s death.
“We think it was dead when they set it on fire. It’s just horrific, I can’t describe it. For anybody to be able to carry out such cruelty on an animal is a real concern. We all know that serial killers start off killing animals and if you can do this to a baby foal where does it end.
“The gang that did this were very young, just in their early teens but there were children around nine or ten also there at the time. This was witnessed by a number of people,” she said.
The body of the young animal was moved from the scene before members of the GSPCA could retrieve it. Ms O’Sullivan believes it may have been dumped in the nearby Merlin Woods and has appealed to walkers to alert the if they come across it.
“The woods are adjacent to the field where the foal was killed and we believe it could have been dumped there. We would appeal to anybody who discovers it while out walking to notify us.
“We will continue to investigate this matter and we will make a report to gardai, this is too serious to ignore,” she said.
The foal’s mother was also injured in the attack and was beaten with sticks. However, the horse has since been moved from the field and GSPCA inspectors do not know it’s location or what condition it is now in.
Deputy Collins is a bloodsports supporter. His views on hare coursing and hunting are outlined in the selection of quotes below...
In 2008, Deputy Niall Collins called on Environment Minister John Gormley to grant coursing licences as a matter of urgency. Quoted in the Irish Examiner of August 19, 2008, he said: "It stands to reason that once the licences have been granted the various coursing clubs and organisations can better plan when, where and how they will capture hares. This will help to ensure that the best possible care for the hares is provided and it will also give the various coursing clubs more certainty when it comes to planning their activities...I do not agree with the narrow view taken by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports on this issue, as they don't understand and value the traditional and cultural elements of this greyhound sector."
"In Opposition, the Taoiseach's party and the Labour Party opposed the ban on the Ward Union stag hunt. Will the Government be introducing legislation to reverse the ban? If so, when?" from a Dail debate, 8 November 2011
"...the Minister travelled around the country scaring people in fishing clubs, coursing clubs, shooting clubs and anybody else to whom he could talk." Niall Collins during a debate on the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011, 25 January 2012.
Fianna Fáil
Aras de Valera
65-66 Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 676 1551
Email: info@fiannafail.ie
Website: www.fiannafail.ie
Question 419 - Answered on 24th June, 2014
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Dublin Central, Independent)
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if animal welfare groups were included in the consultation process undertaken by his Department and stakeholders on the issue of use of animals in circuses; his plans regarding the publishing the draft Code of Practice for the use of animals in circuses; the way he will ensure a Code of Practice will be adequate in the protection of animals used in circuses; if he considered the concept of banning use of animals in all circuses here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
My Department has met with circus representatives and with representatives from the ISPCA and the DSPCA to discuss the use of animals in circuses and to prepare a Code of Practice for circuses to be adopted under Section 25 of the new Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
I have no plans to introduce a ban on the use of animals in circuses but I am keeping the matter under review.
Question 413 - Answered on 24th June, 2014
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Dublin Central, Independent)
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the continuing campaign to stop Irish and European companies trading with China for angora wool products which involves the live plucking of the fur of an angora rabbit every three months over a four to five year period; if his attention has been drawn to companies here still buying angora wool from China; and if he will consider introducing regulations for businesses trading in animal products with other countries in order to prevent the exploitation of animals in those countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
I have not received any representations on this matter. However I have asked my officials to investigate the extent of the trade in this activity and report back to me in the matter.
Question 122 - Answered on 19th June, 2014
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Dublin Central, Independent)
To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the content in the magazine (details supplied) which reveals that on 1 December 2013 hounds hunted a deer; if he will carry out an investigation into the potential breach of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan
My Department is aware of the article in question and the matter is under investigation.
Question 27 - Answered on 19th June, 2014
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Dublin Central, Independent)
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is committed to engaging in the outstanding issues he referred to at the Animal Health and Welfare Conference which took place on 16 May 2014 in Dublin Castle; if he is committed to re-engaging on the outstanding issues of hare coursing, digging out of foxes, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
Hare coursing is a matter for my colleague the Minster for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who has responsibility under national and EU wildlife law to ensure the conservation of the populations of certain species, including the hare. However, my Department is represented on a Monitoring Committee on Coursing, which was established in 1993/94, to monitor developments in coursing. This committee, which also includes representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), keeps the situation under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well controlled and responsible manner in the interest of animal welfare both for hares and greyhounds alike. Since 1993, Irish Coursing Clubs have made it compulsory for greyhounds to be muzzled while they chase the hare thus making injury to hares a very rare occurrence. Veterinary Inspectors from my Department attend and monitor coursing events.
In relation to digging out, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, lawful hunting of an animal may take place unless the animal is released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition. The Hunting Association of Ireland and The Irish Working Terrier Federation have set out rules and procedures for the use of hunt terriers. It is intended that these rules and procedures will be examined in the context of Section 25 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 with a view to adapting them as modern Codes of Practice under the Act.
Badgers are protected by national legislation and are listed within the Berne Convention. My Department monitors the animal welfare aspects of badger culling on a continuous basis and is satisfied that culling has contributed to a significant reduction in the incidence of TB in cattle and that the arrangements and procedures involved in culling result in minimal injury to badgers.
A Code of Practice for fur farmers has been drafted under the new Animal Health and Welfare Act and includes a series of practical measures to assist fur farmers adapt the highest standards of animal husbandry and provide practical assistance for breeding and rearing of animals. This code is currently available on my Departments website.
With regard to the use of animals in circuses, my Department is working with circus representatives on the preparation of a code of practice. This code when enacted will be complemented by unannounced inspections by my officials.
Question 538 - Answered on 17th June, 2014
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Dublin Central, Independent)
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what was involved in the invitation process in the lead up to the Dublin Castle Animal Welfare Conference held on 16 May 2014; the way his Department selected requests to attend; the reason hunting organisations were invited while other animal welfare groups were not invited; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
A wide cross section of individuals was invited to attend the conference, including some members of animal rights groups. A member of National Animal Rights Association was invited to the conference but chose not to attend, while the President of Irish Council against Blood sports was in attendance. Delegates from the Hunting Association of Ireland were also in attendance.
Question 539 - Answered on 17th June, 2014
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Dublin Central, Independent)
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the latest incident which occurred in Tipperary town involving a pony being abandoned after it was driven into a heavy wooden fence while participating in a Sulky race; if his attention has been drawn to the excessive speeds at which these ponies are driven often by children as young as 10 years on Ireland's busy roads, and that the horses being too young end up enduring serious damage to their underdeveloped joints and ligaments during a race; if he is aware of the risks these races are placing on those animals, children and other road users; if he will prioritise this animal welfare and public health issue ensuring that local authorities carry out their obligations under the Control of Horses Act (1996); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
I understand that the matter to which the Deputy refers is being investigated by An Garda Siochana and the investigation is ongoing.
Like all activities on the public road, sulky racing is governed by the Road Traffic Acts and imposes an obligation pursuant to these acts on the person engaged in this activity to drive their vehicles with due care for other road users and not to indulge in dangerous driving of the vehicles. Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, Local Authorities have powers to create exclusion areas in bye-laws prohibiting persons from having a horse in an area except for bona fide reasons and this could extend to horses used in sulky racing. The newly commenced Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provide options where horse welfare problems, or potential horse welfare problems, are observed.
Question 540 - Answered on 17th June, 2014
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Dublin Central, Independent)
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure there are sufficient strict regulations that coursing will not take place in weather conditions that are adverse and difficult for the animals in question, hares and greyhounds; and if so that coursing events will be cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
Under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing.
The ICC has confirmed that it has systems in place to underpin the welfare of animals participating in coursing events. These include mandatory inspections of hares and coursing venues in advance of the commencement of an event. Greyhounds involved in coursing are subject to the provisions of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and the Code of Practice for the care and welfare of greyhounds, published by Bord na gCon.
The ICC has assured the Department that it goes to great lengths to ensure the highest standards are adhered to during coursing. The ICC's rules and regulations (Rule 106) accommodate the postponement of meetings if the weather is unfavourable i.e. snowfall, frost or waterlogged ground, which may affect the welfare of both greyhound and hare.
The ICC has demonstrated its willingness to cancel / postpone meetings in the face of adverse weather conditions, For example, one coursing meeting was cancelled on 23rd November 2013 due to heavy frost, and this would be a routine practice for all clubs affiliated to the ICC. Also meetings were postponed over the Christmas (2013) period due to other unfavourable weather conditions. During extreme weather conditions, it is also the practice of clubs to provide additional food for hares living on hare preserves protected by coursing clubs.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, has responsibility for the issuing of an annual licence to the ICC and its affiliated clubs to capture live hares. These licences currently have a total of 26 conditions attached to them. The conditions of these licences cover a range of items, including veterinary supervision at coursing meetings and a number of requirements attaching to the welfare of hares.
The ICC ensures that a veterinary surgeon and a control steward are present at all coursing meetings. In addition to this, veterinary staff from my Department and rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (part of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) carry out random inspections during the coursing season to monitor compliance with the licences and the rules governing animal welfare.
As a further control, a Coursing Monitoring Committee was established during the 1993/94 coursing season and comprises officials from my Department and representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the ICC who monitor developments in coursing. In that regard the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well controlled and responsible manner in with the welfare of hares and greyhounds alike in mind.
A very high proportion (99.4%) of the hares captured for hare coursing were returned to the wild at the end of the 2013/2014 season.
The systems that are in place are, in my view, effective and are working well.
Question 627 - Answered on 27 May 2014
Clare Daly, TD (Dublin North, United Left)
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to explain the reason members of groups involved in cruelty to animals, such as hunters, were invited to the animal welfare conference in Dublin Castle, though several well-established animal rights groups were not invited.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
A wide cross section of individuals was invited to attend the conference, including some members of animal rights groups. A member of National Animal Rights Association was invited to the conference but chose not to attend, while the President of Irish Council against Blood sports was in attendance. Delegates from the Hunting Association of Ireland were also in attendance.
"To cross into the wood, it was necessary to lower an electric fence and the ground was live, a fact which some of the horses didn't like. I crossed the lowered wire and the deep stream and came to a drain. A horse coming behind was reacting negatively to the electric current. We walked down into the drain but it was an unforgiving place and my horse couldn't get out of it because of very deep mud. I had to get off the horse who lay on his side for a minute, recovering." from a hunting report in Irish Country Sports.
"I am totally against the 'clergy' blessing fox-hunts...they - the clergy who do this - should be ashamed of themselves and should stop...Now!" comment from Peter on Yahoo News in response to Anti-cruelty group calls for ‘appalling’ fox hunt blessings to end, June 16, 2014.
"There were 3 people in front of me who were from a pro hunting group and behind me were people from a farming group who wanted a nationwide horse cull. I was wondering had I gone to the wrong conference." Billy Gallagher, Chairman of Athlone SPCA, who attended Minister Simon Coveney's "animal welfare" conference in May.
"Sharon Ni Bheolain challenged Minister [Coveney] about what is being done about welfare issues of hare coursing & hunting & terriers being sent into holes to chase foxes...He says there is a code of practice but Sharon says she hears "gentlemens' agreement'. Sharon is pushing the point: What does that mean? Chief vet says new law will improve the welfare of "these animals" & the whole room groans. Now chairman of Hunting Association of Ireland is speaking from floor: he has concern about anti-hunting extremists and wants protection for his people. Room groans again. Getting a bit heated!" from Pete the Vet's Facebook page, May 16 2014
"Hounds put a fox afoot and, with intermittent good music, enjoyed a fast, circular hunt for some forty five minutes before a check on the road where they lost their fox." from a Ballymacad Foxhounds hunt report in Irish Country Sports.
"Anyone who lamps rabbits will be familiar with this situation when a rabbit gets pushed out onto somewhere its [sic] not familiar with and begins to panic, running around seemingly in circles not knowing where to go. They will turn and turn again, jink and jump and go anywhere to try and get back home. This leaves the dog at an advantage as the rabbit quite quickly makes a fatal mistake and it’s all over." from a hunt report in Irish Country Sports.
"Anyone good at catching swans?! This one has a fishing bait hooked to her beak...A huge thank you to Billy Gallagher and Mary from Athlone SPCA. The swan was caught late last night, bait removed, antibiotic injection and spray given in vets before being released again. Delighted!" from the Athlone SPCA Facebook page.
https://www.change.org/petitions/ban-blood-sports-in-ireland
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/minister-simon-coveney-replace-hare-coursing-with-drag-coursing
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/irish-government-save-foxes-and-dogs-from-horrific-cruelty
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/minister-simon-coveney-don-t-allow-hunters-to-cut-off-dogs-tails
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/irish-agriculture-minister-simon-coveney-stop-badger-snaring-cruelty-now
Petition to Ban horrific Hare Coursing Cruelty in Ireland
http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-sponsoring-hare-coursing-in-ireland#
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/protect-the-irish-hare
http://forcechange.com/30176/end-cruel-blood-sport-of-fox-hunting-in-ireland/#gf_1
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/limerick-racecourse-stop-hosting-cruel-hare-coursing
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/irish-forestry-board-ban-hunters-from-your-property
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-national-trust-the-national-trust-stop-supporting-illegal-hunting-on-national-trust-land-2
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/ban-fur-sales-on-ebay#
http://www.change.org/petitions/stormont-northern-ireland-assembly-ban-fox-and-stag-hunting-in-northern-ireland#
http://forcechange.com/24603/#gf_17
http://www.change.org/petitions/dunnes-supermarket-end-your-ban-on-animal-groups
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/145/615/024/lift-ban-on-animal-charities-fundraising-at-dunnes-stores/
http://www.change.org/petitions/arts-council-of-ireland-stop-funding-animal-circuses
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/dacian-ciolos-european-agriculture-minister-stop-the-eu-funding-bullfighting#
http://forcechange.com/64173/stop-torturing-bears-end-bear-bile-farming-in-china
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/add-report-option-animal-abuse-on-facebook.html
http://forcechange.com/94113/end-bullfighting-in-france
http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-toro-de-la-vega-2013
http://forcechange.com/127886/protect-pygmy-rabbit-from-extinction
Top ways you can help the campaign •
Join our email list and respond to our Action Alerts
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Become a campaign supporter and make a donation to help fund our efforts
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Contact your local politicians and ask them to support a ban on blood sports
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Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube
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Sign up for our free text alert service and receive occasional campaign updates to your phone
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Link to our website and display one of our banners
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Monitor blood sports meetings in your area and provide us with photos, video and reports.
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Write a letter to your local newspaper about the cruelty of blood sports
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Sign and collect signatures for our petitions
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Organise a fund-raiser to help raise funds for the campaign
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Set up an online anti-blood sports group to cover your area.
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Download, print and display our posters and leaflets
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Set up an information stand at your school/library/youth group/adult group, etc
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Introduce your friends to our website and encourage them to get involved.
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Simply keeping your ear to the ground.
about any blood-sport related incidents in your area.
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