01. Minister Humphreys rolls over for hare coursers
The National Parks & Wildlife Service, after "discussions" with Arts & Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys, decided not to sanction two coursing clubs for breaches of licence conditions and gave them the go-ahead to carry on coursing hares during the 2014/15 season, despite what they termed the “seriousness of the incidents at these meetings”.
According to an internal National Parks memo, obtained by ICABS under FOI: "It was decided, given the seriousness of the incidents at these meetings, to impose sanctions on both clubs (Mallow and Liscannor) by way of a reduction in the number of competitive courses allowed by each club at their forthcoming meetings. However, following discussions with the Minister, it was decided that before the imposition of these sanctions, both clubs should be given the opportunity to provide assurances relating to future co-operation with Department officials..."
According to another NPWS memo, “The main issues of concern reported by the Conservation Ranger at the Liscannor meeting on 28 and 29 September 2013 was the refusal of club officials to allow access to the paddock area (where hares are kept) and subsequent intimidation and verbal abuse of the conservation ranger”. And in Mallow, according to the same internal NPWS memo, there was lack of co-operation with the conservation ranger and discrepancies relating to the release of hares, plus a claim by the club that the conservation ranger was present at releases when in fact this was not the case.
In other documents seen by ICABS, the Mallow coursing club penned an arrogant and totally unapologetic letter to the National Parks & Wildlife Assistant Principal, challenging the conservation ranger’s report, i.e. claiming that she did not turn up to oversee the release of the hares, while in fact it was the coursers who did not turn up at the appointed time, refusing to give their contact phone numbers to the ranger, stating they didn’t have mobile phones. The letter then went on to say: “As regards the threatened sanctions, our two local TDs Sean Sherlock and Tom Barry have been made aware of the situation.” They further stated that the two TDs were “well aware that the Mallow club at all times abide by the rules”.
The response of the National Parks' licensing section to this arrogance from Mallow coursing club was to propose a mere slap on the wrist in the form of curtailment of a number of hare courses, which would result in their meeting being reduced by half the number of courses. It was also proposed by the NPWS that Liscannor coursing club would have one third of the usual number of hare courses reduced. However, in a total climb down, after "discussions with the Minister", it was decided not to implement any sanction whatsoever on Liscannor and Mallow, the Minister and NPWS accepting their assurances that they would behave themselves in the future.
This climb down by the Minister, who has previously insisted that breaches of the licence conditions by hare coursers will not be tolerated, sends a clear signal to the coursers that they can do as they please, as sanctions are seldom meted out for bad behaviour. It is outrageous that the Liscannor coursers were allowed to hold a meeting after intimidating and verbally abusing a ranger, while Mallow refused to cooperate with the ranger, and then in a letter to the National Parks, were totally unapologetic, again contradicting the ranger's true account of events and criticising her.
It is clear now that the flimsy licence conditions attached to the hare coursing licence is not worth the paper it is written on, and the coursers are clearly in the driving seat, with less and less hare coursing meetings being monitored by the National Parks, due to lack of manpower. In any event, no amount of monitoring and supervision is going to alleviate the terror and stress inflicted on vulnerable hares used as live bait before greyhounds in coursing, and the only solution is a total ban on this barbaric, outdated activity.
02. Smell led ranger to injured hare in box at coursing meeting
A National Parks & Wildlife Conservation Ranger, monitoring a coursing meeting at Thurles last October, found a badly injured hare in a box. Documents recently released to the Irish Council Against Blood Sports under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that the ranger discovered the hare after detecting a smell emanating from a box.
"What caught my attention on the Sunday was the smell coming out of the box," the ranger stated in her official report. "When I took the hare out, I noticed a large injury to the shoulder and front of one of the legs."
She continued: "I asked the attending vet to check the hare. He said it wasn’t too bad, would give it some antibiotics. I did ask should it be put down right there but he disagreed. He later approached me in the day and said that he had given the hare a long acting antibiotic (3 days) and a steroid for pain and that the injury appeared worse than he initially thought. He said to bring the animal to a vet in 3 days. I did that and the vet I brought it to recommended it be put down."
At the same meeting, hares were brought down from the escape area for boxing (in preparation for being coursed, i.e used as live bait) at the interval on the first day of coursing. The ranger had requested that hares not be brought down from this area, as it's the same area that coursed hares escape into after being coursed. Taking hares from this area during a meeting points to re-coursing of hares, which is in breach of licence conditions.
In an internal email from a NPWS official for the mid-south area to NPWS HQ, it was stated: "Contrary to the Conservation Ranger’s request, hares were brought down for boxing at the interval on the first day of the event and also the ranger was informed that only three had been boxed, whereas it became apparent later that seven had been boxed at the time. This appears to be a breach of Section 34 Licence granted by NPWS to the ICC, as it is in contradiction of condition 18 of said license."
Another email revealed that on the second day of coursing, NPWS officials found that "the attitude of the club was uncoopertive and intimidating." There was also an issue regarding the health of the hares outlined in this email, which stated: "It is also noted that on the second day, the number of courses was reduced to 35 (21 courses were cancelled) apparently due to the fact that not all the hares were fit for coursing. However, there was no issue with regard to the health of hares flagged with Conservation Rangers the previous day, which would have suggested a curtailment of courses."
And another breach was highlighted as follows: "Contrary to the Conservation Ranger’s request, the boxing of hares for release was not commenced until 3pm the day after the event, with the result that not all hares were released in daylight hours. This appears to be a breach of Section 34 Licence granted to the ICC as it is in contradiction of both 13 and 18 of the said license." The official also stated: "Due to the above non-cooperation with NPWS staff, NPWS cannot confirm definitively that ho hare was coursed twice in one day (condition 9 of Section 34 Licence) and that all hares were released (condition 13 of Section 34 License)."
It will be interesting to see what sanctions the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Minister Heather Humphreys will impose on the Thurles coursers, given that breaches the previous year by coursing clubs were not sanctioned in any way. A ranger was intimidated and abused verbally at Liscannor in the 2013/14 season, and the coursers failed to cooperate with the ranger at Mallow, both breaches of the licence conditions. The Mallow coursing club secretary then wrote an unapologetic and arrogant letter to the National Parks, totally contradicting the ranger's account of events and criticising her. Despite this, no sanctions were imposed, Minister Heather Humphreys deciding to accept their promise that they would behave in future.
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports is renewing its call on Minister Humphreys to stop licensing cruel hare coursing.
ACTION ALERT
Get in touch with all your local TDs now and urge them to back a ban on hare coursing.
SAMPLE LETTER
(If you have time, please compose your own personal letter. Otherwise, feel free to send the short sample letter below. Be assertive, but polite, in all correspondence. Thank you.)
Dear Minister,
I am one of the majority who want hare coursing outlawed. I am writing to urge you to stop licensing this cruel bloodsport
In coursing, hares suffer at all stages - during the capture, during the time they are kept in captivity and during the coursing meetings where they run for their lives in front of greyhounds. Among the injuries recorded are broken legs, damaged toes and dislocated hips. Every season, hare injuries and deaths are documented.
I ask you to please act on the wishes of the majority, show compassion and stop licensing coursing.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
[Name/Location]
Appeal to the Minister for Agriculture
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
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Urgently contact An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and ask him to back a ban on hare coursing.
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
03. Hares feared extinct on Dublin's North Bull Island
Hares are believed to have become extinct on an important nature reserve less than five miles from the offices of Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Dublin Bay's North Bull Island was once synonymous with the Irish Hare but there are fears that the iconic creature may now be extinct there.
The North Bull Island Wildlife website, run by an ecologist with over 40 years experience recording wildlife, is reporting that there have been no hares spotted on the island since June 2014.
"The native Irish Hare was once abundant on the island but is now on the verge of extinction for the second time in recent decades," an article on Northbullisland.com outlines. "In 2014 only one animal was reported up to the end of May 2014, then two were observed in June. No hares have been recorded since June despite extensive searches."
The causes of the decline are believed to be disturbance from humans and dogs. Despite local bye-laws prohibiting unleashed dogs from being on the island, dogs continue to run free and disturb resident creatures.
The disappearance of the Irish Hare from an internationally recognised nature reserve should be a great embarrassment for our government and ought to be sounding alarm bells for an administration which continues to permit hare coursing, an activity which threatens local populations around Ireland.
Coursing is responsible for massive interference with the species (including disturbance of pregnant hares, nursing mothers and leverets) and can deplete vulnerable population pockets which cumulatively can lead to extinction.
Thousands of hares are cruelly netted from the wild each year for use as live bait in coursing. Every coursing season, hare injuries and deaths are documented - these occur when greyhounds catch, hit and maul the fleeing hares. The animals are also at risk of dying from stress-related capture myopathy while in captivity and during the days/weeks/months after coursing. Fears have also been expressed about the reproductive viability of hares which survive the ordeal of coursing and are released back to the wild.
The hares on Bull Island have declined despite the island having the most designations of any site in the Republic of Ireland. It is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, a National Nature Reserve and is part of the Natura 2000 Network. It is a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.
ACTION ALERTS
Please call the dog warden if you spot dogs off leads on Bull Island (Tel: 01 222 3371).
Contact Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Arts/Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys and urge them to provide funding for at least one wildlife ranger and dog warden to be assigned exclusively to Bull Island. Remind them that Bull Island is an important and internationally recognised nature reserve and that it is imperative for the wildlife to be protected.
SAMPLE LETTER
(If you have time, please compose your own personal letter. Otherwise, feel free to send the short sample letter below. Be assertive, but polite, in all correspondence. Thank you.)
Dear Taoiseach / Minister
I was saddened to learn of fears that the iconic Irish Hare is now extinct on Bull Island, an internationally recognised wildlife reserve just five miles from your Dublin offices.
Hares have disappeared from the island despite it having the most designations of any nature site in the Republic of Ireland. It is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, a National Nature Reserve and is part of the Natura 2000 Network. It is a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.
It should be a cause of great concern and embarrassment to the government that this unique species is gone from what is one of the country's most important nature reserves. Particularly as the cause - believed to be the unleashing of dogs by visitors to the island - is easily addressed.
I appeal to you to urgently act. Please assign a wildlife ranger and dog warden exclusively to Bull Island to help protect wildlife.
04. No escape for fox who tried to find refuge in tree at Wexford hunt
A fox who tried to find refuge in a tree during a hunt was driven out its branches and back into the path of a pack of hounds for a 50 minute chase.
According to a report in the Irish Field: "At Ballymore, hounds marked a fox in a tree. Budding mountain climber Michael ‘Mouse’ Murphy decided to investigate and, as he was climbing the tree, the fox passed him out on the way down and gave hounds a great run for over 50 minutes."
Details of the fate of this particular fox are not given but typically, foxes suffer an horrific end. Chased to exhaustion, they are knocked off their feet, bitten, disembowelled and torn apart.
The 27 February 2015 report, which focuses on the Gorey-based Island Hunt, refers to another persecuted fox - "Hounds found a fox off Marchelstown Road and ran on into Letts of Hollyford. They hunted around the extensive covert but could not get him away and eventually marked him to ground."
Later, a "well-conditioned fox slipped across the road" with the pack of hounds in pursuit. "What a sound they made screaming away so fast one can only imagine what they would be like with any bit of decent scent - they must be nearly impossible to keep pace with," the report states. "The fox headed on and over the cross-country course at Liam Griffin’s Monart Spa Hotel. Griffin is remembered best as the trainer of the Wexford hurling team but he also hunted for years with the Killinick Harriers. His son Niall is an international event rider. The huntsman and the followers could not get through the electric gates at the yard but Dwyer skirted the headland and sailed over a high tensile fence to reach the small wood where hounds were marking the fox to ground..."
The severe pressure on the fox population from all angles is conveyed, with a reference to the mounted hunters spotting a group of shooters approaching a fox covert carrying shotguns.
ACTION ALERT
Sign our "Ban Blood Sports in Ireland" petition Sign Now
Please join us in appealing to the Minister for Agriculture to give wild animals the same protection that is given to domestic animals. Tell the Minister that since all animals are capable of suffering, all animals should be protected from cruelty. Demand the removal of an exemption for foxhunting from Ireland's Animal Health and Welfare Act.
Simon Coveney, TD
Minister for Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Contact the Taoiseach and Tanaiste. Ask them to show compassion for foxes and hares and ban hunting and coursing.
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny
Department of the Taoiseach,
Government Buildings,
Upper Merrion Street,
Dublin 2
Telephone: 01-6194020
Fax: 01-6764048
An Tanaiste, Joan Burton
Office of the Tanaiste
Iveagh House,
80 St. Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6183566 (Dail)
Tel: 01 408 2000 (Iveagh House)
Fax: 01 408 2400
Email Enda Kenny and Joan Burton: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie,joan.burton@oireachtas.ie
Appeal to all Irish politicians
Please join us in telling the Irish Government that it is now time to replace foxhunting with the humane alternative - drag hunting.
Drag hunting sees the hounds chasing an artificial lure instead of a live animal. This form of "hunting" is already practised successfully by a few groups in Ireland. In a modern and civilised country like Ireland, there should be no place for foxhunting, particularly when a transition to drag hunting would be simple.
Please contact all your local politicians and ask them to express their opposition to this blood sport. Encourage your friends, family and workmates to contact them too.
Write to your TD at: Dail Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-618 3000 or 1890 337 889.
Write to your Senator at: Seanad Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-618 3000 or 1890 732 623.
05. Veterinary Council refuses to restrict vet participation in bloodsports
The Veterinary Council of Ireland has said it won't restrict vet participation in bloodsports. Last month, ICABS highlighted a hunting report which revealed that a veterinary surgeon was among those participating in a foxhunt in County Clare.
The 20 February 2015 Irish Field report stated: "As hounds drew, the field popped walls as if they were going out of fashion. We hadn’t gone too far when local veterinary surgeon Ian Brassil managed to get himself bucked off a horse he was trying. Ian is a cousin of Grand National winning trainer Martin, whose charge Numbersixvalverde won in 2006 ridden by Slippers Madden. No harm done, he was back in the plate as if nothing had happened..."
The report outlined that a fox ran across a slurry-covered field in an attempt to escape the pack of hounds and that later, hunters were "treated to the rare sight of the fox, hounds and hunt staff all in the one field".
ICABS brought this to the attention of the Veterinary Council of Ireland, highlighting the cruelty to animals associated with foxhunting and urging it to act to stop vets from participating in the bloodsport.
In its response, the Veterinary Council of Ireland sidestepped the issue of animal cruelty, stating that "foxhunting is legal in the State and the Council does not restrict registered [vets] from participating in any legal activity."
ACTION ALERT
Urge the Veterinary Council of Ireland to act to stop vets from participating in foxhunting.
Veterinary Council of Ireland
53 Lansdowne Road
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Tel: +353 (0) 1 668 4402
Email: info@vci.ie
06. Carlow–Kilkenny By-election 2015: Where do the candidates stand on animal cruelty?
A by-election will be held in the Dail Eireann Carlow-Kilkenny constituency on Friday 22 May 2015, following the resignation of Phil Hogan TD on his appointment as European Commissioner. Before voting, check out our guide to the candidates and where they stand on animal cruelty issues.
Cllr Malcolm Noonan (Green Party, Kilkenny County Council)
In February 2013, Cllr Noonan joined calls for a ban on foxhunting, describing it as “barbaric”. His statement came in the wake of an horrific attack on a dog by hunt hounds in a Coillte forest in Carlow which left the family pet fighting for its life with severe injuries.
Adrienne Wallace (People Before Profit)
“I’m a vegetarian and of course I’m in favour of banning foxhunting and hare coursing” from a tweet to ICABS, April 2015.
Cllr Breda Gardner (Independent, Kilkenny County Council)
“[I am] an avid animal lover”. from an email to ICABS, October 2014.
Cllr Kathleen Funchion (Sinn Fein, Kilkenny County Council)
“I think like most people, I deplore the abuse of animals and cruelty to animals. It is something that is quite a passionate issue for many of our members locally and I think of it as an issue which deserves more airtime in our national and local discourse. Sinn Fein has opposed all bloodsports in Ireland and some of our members even went as far as stopping a hunt in Westmeath several years ago. Their position filled me with great pride and I have always tried my best to remain consistent in that view. A big issue in Kilkenny in the mistreatment of horses on the roads by some members of the community. That situation is abhorrent and can not continue. Should I be elected to Kilkenny County Council, it would be a great disappointment to me if the issue of animal welfare locally was still as prominent an issue at the end of the council term. I have always considered it an idea to create a register of animal abusers to make it more difficult for offenders to continue to own animals. I know that would only be the start of tackling the wider problem.” from an email to ICABS, May 2014.
Noel G Walsh (Independent)
“I will be your full time local representative pursuing issues on your behalf [including] animal welfare” from a profile page on changeirishpolitics.com
Bobby Aylward (Fianna Fail)
As a TD in June 2010, Bobby Aylward voted in favour of the ban on carted deer hunting, but only apparently because it didn't affect his local constituents.
“The stag hunting doesn’t affect me and I’m not going to fight a cause in Kilkenny that’s an issue in Meath and North Dublin.” Bobby Aylward quoted in the Sunday Business Post, 04 April 2010.
"Carlow-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward said his support could not be relied on when it comes to votes in the Dáil on issues such as animal welfare, the Planning Bill or a ban on corporate donations. “If it means there is going to be a break-up of the Coalition so be it. At this stage I am not going to be coerced into voting for another party’s agenda,” said Mr Aylward. He said that, as a representative of a rural area, he would be looking carefully at issues such as the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill and the proposed ban on stag hunting to see how they affected his constituents." Irish Times, March 29th, 2010.
David Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)
Kilkenny Borough Councillor David Fitzgerald (Fine Gael) voiced his opinion on the matter. “I will disagree with my party colleagues,” he said. “In my reading of this, it is the use of ‘wild’ animals – not dogs and ponies – and I believe that it is unsatisfactory and not helpful in this day and age. This is not an attack on circuses; it is specifically about the use of wild animals and I would not like to see the return of wild tigers, lions or elephants.” from “Circus debate was intense, but motion was defeated”, Kilkenny People 27 September 2012
Other candidates whose views are currently unknown:
07. I fell off a horse and broke my arm: Courser tries to downplay suffering of hare
A spokesperson for Thurles coursing club has tried to downplay the suffering of an injured hare by saying "These things happen...I ride racehorses and I fell off [a horse] yesterday and broke my arm."
The ridiculous response was delivered on the Tipp Today show on Tipp FM. It followed an interview with ICABS spokesperson Aideen Yourell who detailed how a National Parks wildlife ranger discovered the hare after detecting a smell emanating from a box on the coursing grounds.
The hare was suffering a badly injured shoulder and leg, injuries so serious the ranger asked the coursers' vet if he should euthanise the animal. The vet told her, however, that it wasn't too bad. He later changed his mind, saying the injury appeared worse than he initially thought and that he had administered a 3-day antibiotic and a steroid for pain. He told the ranger to bring the hare to another vet after 3 days, which she did. The second vet euthanised the hare.
Unsurprisingly, the courser who made it on to the airwaves expressed no sympathy for the suffering and death of the hare.
Asked for his response to the discovery of the badly injured creature, Ricky Ryan of Thurles Coursing Club said: "Well, unfortunately these things do happen."
Later he added: "Things do happen like that. You go out shooting, you injure a fox or whatever, it's just one of those things that happen...Life don't always work out the way it was meant to be planned...It's just one of those things what happens."
"It happens in every walk of life," he continued. "I ride racehorses and I fell off [a horse] yesterday and broke my arm"
Programme presenter Seamus Martin responded to say: "I suppose the only difference there, Ricky, is you fell off and broke your arm but it was your choice to do it. It wasn't the hare's choice to do it."
Asked if he could explain how the hares get injured, Ryan's reply was "Who knows?". When pressed, he admitted that greyhounds do "hit and pin" hares. But he was quick to stress that coursers are so determined to protect the terrorised hares, they will throw their bodies over the hares to shield them from the dogs.
"There are three or four lads on the far side of the field and if they think the hare is going to be caught, they will run in as hard as they can to protect the hare from the dogs," he declared. "They'll even go so far as to throw themselves on top of the hare and protect the hare so the dogs can't go near him."
"It doesn't seemed to have worked in this case," observed the Tipp Today presenter.
08. Irish hares being persecuted by hunters, coursers and shooters
The Irish Hare, a supposedly protected species, is not only under threat from licensed hare coursers during seven months of the year but also from shooters during six months.
A licence granted by the Department of Arts and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service allows hare coursers to use nets to cruelly capture hares from the wild for their bloodsport during the months of August, September, October, November, December, January and February.
But hares are also targeted by those who get their kicks from blasting wildlife to death. Hares may be legally shot during six months of the year – from the end of September and throughout October, November, December, January and February.
Those taking out shotguns to gun down these defenceless creatures do not even need to apply for a licence to do so.
According to a “Government Notice” on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website, “The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht would like to inform all game hunters of the following important information with regard to hunting licences. Under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2012, all holders of a valid Firearm Certificate issued for a shotgun on or after 1 August 2009 are deemed by law to be the holders of a Hunting Licence under the Wildlife Acts for the purposes of hunting game bird and hare species.”
In a table headed “Hunting seasons for wild birds and hares”, the notice states that hares may be shot between 26th September and 28th February.
The document also presents killing dates for other species including Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Red Grouse, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Snipe, Jack Snipe, Red-Legged Partridge, Cock Pheasant, Woodcock, Woodpigeon, Ruddy Duck, Red Deer, Sika Deer, Fallow Deer and Muntjac Deer.
Hares are also under threat from hunters using packs of hounds as well as from those involved in illegal hunting and coursing using greyhounds and lurchers.
ACTION ALERT
Get in touch with all your local TDs now and urge them to back a ban on hare coursing, hare hunting and hare shooting.
SAMPLE LETTER
(If you have time, please compose your own personal letter. Otherwise, feel free to send the short sample letter below. Be assertive, but polite, in all correspondence. Thank you.)
Dear Minister Humphreys,
The Irish Hare is under severe pressure from hunters, shooters and coursers. Under licence from your Department, the creatures may be netted from the wild during seven months of the year for use as live bait for dogs in coursing. During six months of the year, your Department allows hares to be blasted to death by shooters who take pleasure in destroying our wildlife heritage.
Hares urgently need protection. I urge you to act to give permanent, year-round protection to this species.
09. United Left Alliance TDs call for end to hare coursing
United Left Alliance TDs, Joan Collins and Clare Daly have called on Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to remove an exemption for hare coursing from his Animal Health and Welfare Act. The exemption allows hare coursers to carry out their cruel activity without fear of being prosecuted for animal cruelty. Without the exemption in the Act, they would be subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
Sadly, Minister Coveney is happy to allow this live animal baiting to continue and has rejected the calls. Despite evidence to the contrary, Minister Coveney is claiming that the muzzling of greyhounds plays "an important role in safeguarding hares involved in coursing" - this despite the Minister being aware of videos and monitoring reports confirming that when muzzled greyhounds hit and maul hares (as they do every coursing season), the defenceless creatures suffer painful injuries which have included broken bones and dislocated hips.
The Minister goes on to make the following outrageous statement: "I think that we have struck a reasonable balance in the legislation between those opposed to hare coursing and those who consider it to be a legitimate sport."
After another season of cruel hare coursing which saw hares being terrorised, struck and killed, Minister Coveney told Deputies Daly and Collins: "I am satisfied that the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is working well and I have no plans to review so soon after it has come into effect."
QUESTIONS
Joan Collins, TD (Dublin South Central, United Left): To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will initiate a new investigation and-or review into hare coursing, with a view to removing its exemption from prohibition under the Animal Health and Welfare Acts, and to bring Ireland into line with neighbouring jurisdictions, where it has criminal status
Clare Daly, TD (Dublin North, United Left): To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has conducted reviews of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 since its enactment; his views in relation to whether he is considering amending the legislation to remove the exemption in the Act which permits live animal baiting in the form of hare coursing.
REPLY
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney: The Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 represents a major updating of our laws in this area going back to 1911. Under the Act lawful coursing of a hare is permitted unless the hare is hunted or coursed in a space from which it does not have a reasonable chance of escape. The protections, such as the muzzling of greyhounds, which were introduced in 1993 have played an important role in safeguarding hares involved in coursing. In addition to supervision by officers from the National Parks & Wildlife Service, my Department’s veterinary officials attend around 1 0% of coursing meetings with a view to ensuring optimum welfare standards. These are selected through a combination of random and risk-based decision making.
The Deputy will be aware the matter was both debated at length and voted upon during the extensive debates that occurred during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 through these houses. I think that we have struck a reasonable balance in the legislation as between those opposed to hare coursing and those who consider it to be a legitimate sport.
As the Deputy is aware, I am fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals and my Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of animal welfare legislation. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 applies across the board, both to rural and urban areas and to all animals, irrespective of species, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or for other purposes. Under the Act, on summary conviction, a person can receive a fine of up to € 5,000 and, on indictment, €250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years. There are fixed penalty payments for lesser offences. The Act provides the framework within which the welfare of animals can be safeguarded and I am hopeful that the substantial and significantly increased levels of penalties for offences of animal cruelty provided for under the Act will act as a deterrent to animal welfare abuses.
In conclusion, I am satisfied that the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is working well and I have no plans to review so soon after it has come into effect.
ACTION ALERT
Appeal to the Minister for Agriculture
Please appeal to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to remove an exemption for hare coursing from the Animal Health and Welfare Act. The exemption allows coursers to practice their shameful bloodsport without fear of being prosecuted for animal cruelty.
Simon Coveney, TD Minister for Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Email: Simon.Coveney@oireachtas.ie Tel: 01-607 2884 or LoCall 1890-200510.
Fax: 01-661 1013.
Tweet to: @simoncoveney
Leave a comment for Simon on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SimonCoveney
10. Order of Malta urged to disassociate from hare coursing
Irish voluntary first-aid organisation, Order of Malta, is being urged to show compassion for Irish wildlife and end its association with cruel hare coursing.
The Order of Malta's Clonmel Facebook page reveals that the group was present at the "first day of the national coursing meet in Clonmel" this year. A posting from a previous year shows the Order of Malta First Aid Station at the Powerstown Park venue and the message "Good week of duty over in Clonmel, with coursing and races".
The Order of Malta says it has nearly 4,000 members "volunteering their time to provide first-aid medical services at community and large national events".
"Our overriding mission is to help the sick, the needy and the most disadvantaged in society," it states.
In an email to the Order of Malta's Dublin headquarters, ICABS praised the organisation's valuable work across the country but pointed out that volunteering at an animal cruelty event at which defenceless animals are forced to run for their lives is surely contrary to the Order of Malta's ethos of compassion and alleviating suffering.
"The coursing meeting in Clonmel is the culmination of a season of animal cruelty," we stated in our letter. "Photographs taken at the first day of this year's event show hares desperately running for their lives in front of greyhounds."
"Every coursing season, hares are hit and mauled, resulting in painful injuries and deaths," we added. "Injuries include bruises, broken bones and dislocated hips. This is not the type of activity the Order of Malta should be associating with."
ACTION ALERT
Urge the Order of Malta to stop providing volunteers to the national hare coursing meeting in Clonmel.
11. 'Conflict of interest': Farmers call for removal of IFA's helpline solicitor
A group of farmers staged a protest in April outside the IFA headquarters to express their anger in relation to an IFA helpline solicitor who they say supported the Kilkenny foxhunt and gave evidence on behalf of the hunt's chairman in a defamation case.
In a statement - the brothers, both members of the Irish Farmers Association - say they have asked the IFA on numerous occasions to intervene on their behalf to get the damages paid and to replace the IFA's helpline solicitor because of what they contend is a conflict of interest, in that he supports the Kilkenny hunt, has taken part in its hunts and appeared in court on behalf of the hunt in the defamation case, while his job in the IFA is to advise farmers and help them resolve legal issues, including damage by hunts to farm property.
The brothers were defamed by the chairman of the Kilkenny Hunt who referred to them as a “pair of paedophiles” during a hunt in November 2004. The brothers had video evidence of the defamation, and won their case, having been awarded damages and costs.
12. Badgers avoid cattle: Landmark finding in Irish badger study
For decades, the Department of Agriculture has blamed badgers for spreading TB to cattle. With a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department operatives have cruelly snared and killed an estimated 100,000 of the "protected" creatures over the past 30 years.
But new research has dramatically revealed that, contrary to Department of Agriculture claims, badgers actually avoid cattle.
The findings of a major research project which has been running for four years cast even greater doubt on Department claims that badgers must be killed to reduce the spread of bovine TB - claims previously condemned as "slaughter masquerading as science".
What makes the latest research perhaps even more significant for the persecuted badger is that it is being carried out by the Department of Agriculture and the National Parks and Wildlife Service themselves (along with a team from Trinity College Dublin).
Featured on the latest episode of "Living the Wildlife", the so-called Wicklow N11 Badger Study found that badgers normally keep away from fields of cattle and yards with cattle in them.
Speaking on the RTE programme, Department of Agriculture Veterinary Inspector Teresa Mac White outlined part of the study involving 40 badgers who sent back 31,000 locations via attached GPS-enabled collars.
"What showed up was consistently, all the badgers avoided going in to farm yards," Ms Mac White stated. "If they did go in to a yard, it was more likely to be a horse yard or a disused yard. They all consistently avoided going in to yards on cattle farms. That was a most unexpected finding."
Revealing another finding, she went on to say: "Badgers will actively avoid going in to fields where there are cattle. So when they go out on their nightly wanderings and they find there are cattle in a field, they'll divert off somewhere else. And even if that's one of their preferred foraging areas, they'll still decide to avoid it."
According to Badger Watch Ireland and the Irish Wildlife Trust, 6,000 Department of Agriculture snares are set in Ireland every night and there are fears that the species is now endangered.
"Conservationists do not accept the theory that badgers are guilty of spreading bovine TB in the first place," Badger Watch says on its website. "The route of infection from badger to cow under normal farm conditions has never been fully explained. The evidence remains circumstantial."
The results of the new research will provide renewed impetus to the campaigns calling for the cruel badger cull to be cancelled.
You can watch the episode of Living the Wildlife on the RTE Player and on Youtube:
http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/10397375/
ACTION ALERTS
Demand an end to the cruel snaring and killing of badgers. Visit our Campaign Page now.
Get in touch with Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to demand an end to his Department's cruel badger cull. Tell the Minister that he must take on board new research findings which have shown that badgers actively avoid cattle fields and yards of cattle.
Minister Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Email: minister@agriculture.gov.ie Tel: 01-607 2000 or LoCall 1890-200510.
Fax: 01-661 1013.
Please write to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs and to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Remind them that the Wildlife Act, for which they are responsible, lists the badger as a protected species. Demand that they stop licensing the snaring and killing of thousands of badgers as part of a cruel and discredited TB eradication scheme.
Minister Heather Humphreys
Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs
23 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Two deer were shot dead by stalkers as part of an RTE Prime Time programme investigating changes to Irish gun laws. The act of hiding in cover and firing at defenceless male and female deer was described by the Prime Time reporter as a "valuable tradition".
A hunter interviewed on the 11th March show describes feeling "satisfaction that you've set out to achieve something and you've reached your goal".
"The farmer here is trying to grow grass to keep livestock," he adds as two deer carcasses are dragged down a hill abundantly covered in grass.
Shame on Cork East politicians Sean Sherlock and Tom Barry for supporting hare coursing and turning a blind eye to the suffering of Irish hares.
It has been revealed in a document obtained by ICABS under the Freedom of Information Act that the pro-bloodsports TDs attend the Mallow coursing meeting.
In a September 2014 letter from Mallow Coursing Club to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to licence breaches by the club, it was stated: "As regards the threatened sanctions, our two local TDs Sean Sherlock and Tom Barry have been made aware of this situation. These men attend our meeting and are well aware that this club at all times abide by the rules."
Despite what were identified as serious licence breaches, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (who licence the cruelty) shamefully opted NOT to sanction the Mallow club. This came after a discussion with Minister Heather Humphreys and after the club was given an opportunity to assure everyone that they wouldn't breach the clearly worthless licence conditions again. One wonders if, given their support for the Mallow club, Sherlock and Barry also had a discussion with the Minister.
Sean Sherlock, a Labour Party TD and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, is unashamedly in favour of cruel bloodsports, having previously declared "I am in favour of field sports and coursing". On another occasion he stated: "We must not regulate field sports out of existence."
Sherlock and Barry (an animal shooter), support the Mallow coursing club despite the clear cruelty.
Information uncovered by ICABS provides a sickening insight into the suffering caused to the terrorised hares. Hares have been hit by greyhounds and killed at the Mallow coursing meeting. Injuries sustained by the hares include a broken leg.
ACTION ALERT
Contact Sean Sherlock and Tom Barry about their support for animal cruelty.
Mallow, 22, 23 October, 2014
NPWS ranger stated that 4 hares were struck, 1 of which was mauled and had to be carried off. Ranger noted that hares were run down during lunch from escape to boxing area, a sign that hares may have been recoursed on same day.
Mallow, Co Cork 23/24 October 2013
Coursers stated that 4 hares "required assistance" and were examined by vet, with 1 dying from natural causes, as confirmed by vet. However, vet did not refer to any injuries and deaths on his report and no post mortem was conducted. Interestingly, 3 were released on day 1 of coursing. NPWS ranger stated that "3 hit hares were released without my knowledge after coursing on 23rd. Including these 3, there are 39 hares unaccounted for". Ranger further stated that she had arranged to meet the coursers to supervise the release of 22 hares, but that at the appointed time, the coursers had not turned up. She said that "while arranging this meeting, they (the coursers) avoided giving me a mobile number, saying the organiser had no mobile and shrugging when I asked for someone else's mobile". NOTE: The National Parks and Wildlife Service censored part of the ranger's report.
Mallow, Co Cork - October 24/25, 2012
8 hares hit by greyhounds, with ranger noting that "muzzle came off one dog as it pinned hare". 2 hares were killed and 1 injured "broken leg", 2 died of injuries, plus another dead hare at release point.
Mallow, October 22/23, 2011
9 hares hit by muzzled dogs, and 1 “escaped” from paddock.
15. Minister Coveney questioned about suffocation of 11 dogs
Six months ago, 11 Irish greyhounds suffocated to death inside a van on an Irish Ferries craft. The dogs suffered an horrendous fate during the 14 hour journey from Rosslare to Cherbourg France. They were crammed tightly, two to a cage, and died of asphyxiation. Their suffering is unimaginable.
The dogs, destined for Spain, originated in Tipperary where they were sold by an Irish breeder.
At the time, it was widely reported in the media that the Department of Agriculture was investigating. The Department told RTE News, for example, that it was investigating the "very serious" incident.
On 21st April, 25 weeks after the 11 greyhounds suffocated on the ferry, the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney was asked about his department's investigation.
Clare Daly TD enquired about "the outcome of his Department's investigation into the suffocation of 11 Irish greyhounds aboard the Irish Ferries Oscar Wilde vessel in October 2014 and the action taken against those responsible".
In his response, Minister Coveney said that the investigation is ongoing and that therefore he could not comment. From the Minister's response, however, it seems the investigation isn't being carried out by his Department after all.
"I understand that the matter to which the Deputy refers is being investigated by the French Authorities and Bord Na gCon [the Irish Greyhound Board]," Coveney said.
French dog rescue group, AIRE France, who originally highlighted the deaths, said that greyhounds are regularly being exported from Ireland to Spain.
Irish greyhounds who do not make the grade in Spain face a brutal death. According to SOS Galgos, "Every year in Spain, tens of thousands of dogs are hung, garrotted, poisoned or thrown into pits and wells."
ACTION ALERT
Ask Minister Coveney to clarify if his Department investigated the suffocation of 11 Irish greyhounds and what he is doing to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Simon Coveney, TD
Minister for Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
16. UK garden company asked to stop selling cruel glue traps
UK garden products retailer Primrose is refusing to stop selling traps which have been condemned by the RSPCA as "cruel and indiscriminate".
In a statement, the company says that if it were to stop selling glue traps, "customers will simply purchase them elsewhere".
ICABS brought to the company's attention information which makes it clear that glue traps are inhumane. We also sent a link to a video showing a mouse desperately struggling in a glue trap - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIX6ODNzqPA&feature=youtu.be
Glue traps are designed to catch mice and rats in a sticky base where they will typically suffer a slow, lingering death. Rodents caught in the traps struggle to free themselves, pulling out their hair or biting off their own limbs. If they don't die from these injuries or from suffocation due to their faces becoming stuck in the glue, they spend days dying from starvation and dehydration.
Veterinary surgeons who have condemned the traps have confirmed that "there is much suffering by the entrapped animals - it is not a sudden or merciful death...Because all mammals have similar nervous systems, they are capable of experiencing the same type of pain and suffering."
Glue traps are illegal in Ireland but remain legal in the UK. Victims include not only mice and rats but also cats, squirrels, frogs, snakes and birds.
Glue traps are illegal in the Republic of Ireland. If you have information on anyone selling or using these traps, please email info@banbloodsports.com Thank you.
17. Badgers with GPS collars snatched by illegal baiters
Badgers with Department of Agriculture GPS collars have been snatched for use in the illegal bloodsport of badger baiting, the Irish Independent has reported.
The badgers were part of a colony being tracked by Department researchers studying the badger's alleged role in the spread of bovine TB - a study which has revealed that badgers actually avoid cows. To-date, the Department of Agriculture has cruelly snared and killed an estimated 100,000 badgers.
The badgers snatched from the study area are believed to have suffered an horrendous fate - thrown into a baiting ring and attacked by dogs.
18. Donegal woman first to be prosecuted under Animal Health and Welfare Act
Source: BreakingNews.ie
A Donegal woman has become the first person to be successfully prosecuted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, as she pleaded guilty to abandoning a dog with no food or water.
A small female terrier dog was found in a rented property at Leitir Ard, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, by ISPCA Inspector Kevin McGinley on March 14, 2014.
He had responded to a call two days earlier following reports that a dog had been abandoned there, he could hear a dog inside the house but could not see one. He left a note asking the occupant to contact him.
Inspector McGinley returned on March 14 and contacted the Gardaí and Local Authority for assistance.
The dog was discovered living in the kitchen area, which was heavily contaminated with dog faeces and urine.
The dog’s owner, Natalie McGranaghan was traced to her mother’s home and she initially said that the dog called Megan had been sold.
She later admitted she had not sold the dog, but claimed she had fed it two days earlier. A bucket filled with water had been left beside the dog, however she was unable to drink from it as it was too tall for her to reach.
The accused did not appear in court but pleaded guilty through her solicitor Ciaran O’Gorman.
Sentencing was adjourned until July 16, 2015, and costs of €405 have been awarded.
Judge Paul Kelly said: "Looking at these pictures, this was an appalling thing to do to an unfortunate defenceless animal."
Inspector McGinley said: "The dog was clearly in a poor state before being seized and we are pleased to be able to help before her health deteriorated further. Megan made a full recovery and has since been rehomed.
"This case clearly demonstrates how the new Animal Health and Welfare Act can work in practice to help a defenceless dog like Megan. We are satisfied with the conviction in this case of neglect, and would like to thank all involved for their efforts."
Dr Andrew Kelly, CEO of the ISPCA, said all animal owners have a responsibility to provide for their animals' needs.
He said: "This is the first conviction under the Animal Health and Welfare Act which came into force in March 2014.
"The ISPCA hopes that this case will send out a message that animal neglect is not acceptable and we will do all we can to end animal abuse in Ireland."
19. New anti-bullfighting municipality in Venezuela
The mayor of the Venezuelan municipality of San Felipe has, by a degree, banned bullfighting. This brings the total number of municipalities against bullfighting in Venezuela to six. Worldwide, there are now 125 anti-bullfighting municipalities.
Mayor Alex Sanchez Salomon Banard says that it is his duty to take measures to "contribute to the protection and preservation of the welfare of all living beings with the aim to promote a society free of violence." He states that bullfighting is an act of aggression and cruelty towards the bull, that damages the right to a free world without violence.
ACTION ALERT
Tweet a message of thanks to the mayor.
@alexsanchezb @sfalcaldia Thank you for banning bullfighting in San Felipe #SanFelipeAntitaurina
20. Holiday Hypermarket thanked for removing bullfighting references from website
A big thank you to online travel company, Holiday Hypermarket, for removing a suggestion to "experience traditional Spain at a bullfight".
Following an ICABS appeal, in which we highlighted how cruel bullfighting is, the company deleted it, saying "we couldn't agree more - thanks for pointing it out". Also removed was a reference to bullfighting on a "Mexico for Culture Vultures" page.
Thumbs up to Holiday Hypermarket for its compassionate response.
Holiday Hypermarket 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, Holiday Transfers, Iglu Cruise, Oliver's Travel's, StagWeb, Joe Walsh Tours, Budget Travel, Osprey Holidays, AlphaRooms.com, Hays Travel and Le Boat.
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, or your country of residence, to register 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
21. Hays Travel thanked for removing bullfighting reference from website
A big thank you to Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, for removing a reference to bullfighting from its website.
Following an ICABS appeal, in which we highlighted the cruelty involved, the award-winning Sunderland-based company deleted “bullfights” from the “Things to see & do” section of its Malaga page.
We are very grateful to Hays Travel for this compassionate response.
Hays Travel, with more than 100 branches around the UK and an annual turnover of over £650 million, describes itself as “a company with heart”.
22. About.com asked to stop publicising bullfighting events
About.com is being asked to stop publicising bullfighting and providing links to sites selling bullfighting tickets. On the About.com GoSpain page, travel writer Damian Corrigan declares: "I recommend heading for the bullring as soon as you arrive in the city to secure your tickets."
Dates and locations are listed along with links to bullfighting websites where tickets may be purchased.
Elsewhere on About.com, the torturing and killing of bulls is described as "art". Beneath a photo of a matador plunging a sword into the bleeding body of a bull, it is stated: "The exact manner in which the fighter takes the bull's life is important to the art."
In a letter to About.com CEO Neil Vogel and CEO of parent company InterActive Corp, Jeff Kip, ICABS stated: "Bullfighting is an extremely cruel and violent activity in which bulls are terrorised, tortured and killed. Most holidaymakers lured in to the bullrings are left feeling shocked and disgusted at the bloody scenes they witness. Please show compassion and remove bullfighting from your website."
I am writing to appeal to you to please act to remove bullfighting content from About.com.
About.com is shamefully publicising bullfighting and providing links to sites where bullfighting tickets may be purchased - http://gospain.about.com/od/bullfightinginspain/qt/Bullfighting-In-Spain-Schedule-and-Tickets.htm
As you are no doubt aware, bullfighting is an extremely cruel and violent activity in which bulls are terrorised, tortured and killed.
Many holidaymakers lured in to the bullrings are left feeling shocked and disgusted at the bloody scenes they witness. It is wholly unacceptable for About.com to publicise this cruelty and encourage tourists to support it.
Please show compassion for the animals and act now to remove bullfighting content from your website.
Thank you. I look forward to your positive response.
23. Businesses with ads in this year's Clonmel hare coursing festival booklet
The following companies/businesses shamefully sponsored the 2015 hare coursing festival in Clonmel and/or advertised in the event booklet. Dozens of hares were used as live bait for greyhounds at the crueltyfest - see photos showing hares desperately running for their lives at https://www.flickr.com//photos/icabs/sets/72157650567627832/show
Main sponsor: BoyleSports "No. 1 for coursing"
Main sponsor: Greyhound and Pet World ("Best of luck to the Irish Coursing Club owners and trainers. Proud sponsors of the Oaks")
Clonmel Park Hotel: "Welcomes all visitors to the National Coursing Meeting 2015. Coursing video shown nightly. 5 minute drive to coursing grounds"
Kasko Dog Food
Surehaul vehicle dealers for Mercedes Renault Mitsubishi, Clonmel, Waterford, Urlingford
Horgans Foods, Mitchelstown
Moran's Bar: "Clonmel's oldest coursing pub. Coursing videos each day on large screen. A real coursing atmosphere"
Gain Dog Food/Glanbia Agribusiness: "Call to our stand to find out about our fantastic offer"
Mulcahy's Hotel and Restaurant Clonmel
Tierney's Bar and Restaurant Clonmel
Gerry Chawke's Sporting Bar Clonmel: "The bar where sports people gather"
Elite Canine Transport
The Morrigan Restaurant Clonmel
Masterchefs Hospitality Limerick "We look forward to welcoming you to this year's national coursing meeting"
The Coachman Lounge Clonmel: "Bar extensions each night during the coursing"
The Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles: "Sponsor of the Consolation Stakes. Coursing highlights shown each evening in bar and bedroom TV screens. After an exciting day coursing, enjoy a hearty meal"
Gary Matthews Solicitor: "Good luck to the connections of all runners in Clonmel 2015"
Stockproof Fencing Thurles: "Proud sponsor of the Stockproof Fencing Products TA Morris Stakes 2015"
McCarthy Insurance Group Cork and Browne Bookmakers: "are giving a fantastic prise to the most appropriately dressed lady at the national coursing meeting. It really could be worth your while choosing the right outfit for your trip to Powerstown Park"
Clonmel Greyhound Stadium: "Coursing festival menu available"
Africa's largest airline, South African Airways, has been praised for refusing to carry hunting trophies on its planes.
In a statement, Tim Clyde-Smith of SAA said: “Hunting of endangered species has become a major problem in Africa and elsewhere with the depletion to near extinction of wildlife that once roamed in prolific numbers. SAA has taken the step of banning all transportation of animals killed in hunting activity as a result"
“In consultation with key authorities, SAA will no longer support game hunters by carrying their trophies back to their country of origin," he continued. "The vast majority of tourists visit Africa in particular to witness the wonderful wildlife that remains. We consider it our duty to work to ensure this is preserved for future generations and that we deter activity that puts this wonderful resource in danger. We are actively involved in and supportive of preservation of African wildlife including rhino preservation, regeneration and anti-poaching activities. This is a logical extension of our approach."
The International Fund for Animal Welfare welcomed the move, saying the airline's decision makers need to be commended.
"SAA is a major stakeholder in Africa’s tourism industry and has taken a positive, proactive and strategic decision to help conserve our rich and diverse natural heritage," commented IFAW's Neil Greenwood. "The proverbial gauntlet has been thrown down - now it will be interesting to see which other international airlines will clamp down on illegal wildlife trade. Or will pressure from the hunting industry be too much to bear?"
25. Calls for Stormont to outlaw the hunting of mammals with dogs
Stormont under pressure to ban hunting with dogs and snares after Belfast Council votes for a change in law Belfast Live, 6th March 2015
Belfast City Councillors back an Alliance motion calling for the Executive to bring in fresh legislation to “outlaw the hunting of mammals with dogs”
Stormont is under pressure to ban hunting with dogs and snares after a city council unanimously voted for a change in the law.
Belfast City Councillors this week backed an Alliance motion calling for the Executive to bring in fresh legislation to “outlaw the hunting of mammals with dogs” and for a “ban on the use and sale of snares for the purposes of capturing or killing animals”.
Alliance representatives say there is “widespread support” for a ban on the activities. And anti-animal cruelty campaigners insist hunting with snares causes unnecessary suffering with animals taking up to two days to die and that they are indiscriminate in that animals that are not the intended target like badgers and deer get caught.
Read the full report at
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/incoming/stormont-under-pressure-ban-hunting-8785474
Should hunting with dogs and snares be banned in Northern Ireland? Please vote YES at
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/incoming/stormont-under-pressure-ban-hunting-8785474
26. Exposed: Priest's continued involvement in cruel hare coursing
A County Laois priest has disregarded calls for him to show compassion and disassociate from cruel hare coursing.
Fr Dan Dunne of Ballyadams Parish, who owns coursing greyhound "Tullamoy Master" gets a mention in the fixtures booklet for the recent coursing crueltyfest in Clonmel.
Previously, we highlighted that a greyhound owned by Fr Dunne was listed as a runner-up at Borris-in-Ossory coursing meet in November 2012.
In 2010, a complaint was made to Church authorities after it emerged that Fr Dunne was acting as chairman of a coursing development committee that "has been busy organising the Irish Coursing Club Stand [at the Ploughing Championships festival]"
It is utterly shameful that a Catholic priest is associating with a barbaric activity which has no place in a civilised society and should be long since banned. His involvement in hare coursing is in direct contravention of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which clearly states that 'it is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer and die needlessly.' Every coursing season, hare injuries and deaths are documented. All hares suffer the fear and stress of being violently netted from the wild, thrown into boxes, kept in captivity and forced to run for their lives in front of greyhounds.
ACTION ALERT
Contact the "Very Reverend" Dan Dunne. Ask him to show compassion for the Irish hare, one of the gentlest of God's creatures, and end his involvement in the cruel bloodsport of coursing.
Urge the President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference to act to end clergy involvement in blood sports.
Archbishop Eamon Martin
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 tweet to Archbishop Eamon Martin and Pope Francis
Tweet "Please act to end clergy involvement in Ireland's cruel bloodsports" to @Pontifex @ArchbishopEamon @CatholicBishops
27. Poacher gang using lurchers and hammers to kill deer
Shocking footage has emerged of an Irish poacher gang using lurcher dogs to drag helpless deer to the ground before brutally killing the injured animals with hammers and screwdrivers.
According to a report in the Irish Independent, several arrests have been made in connection with the video. Gardai raided homes in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford this week and seized €20,000 of suspected cocaine and amphetamines, two deer carcasses, hunting knives, high powered lamps and a suspected stolen jeep.
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the number and names of active fur farms here at present; if any fur farms have closed in the past three years; if any applications have been made to establish new fur farms; if so, the species the potential fur farms are seeking to breed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Answered on 28th April, 2015.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney
A licence from my Department is required for the keeping of mink under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 and Musk Rats Act 1933 (Application to Mink) Order, 1965. Three operators currently hold such licences. It is not the practice to divulge the names and addresses of licensees as this may prejudice the security of the operators’ premises and the mink they keep.
Two former operators have ceased to hold licences within the past three years. No applications have been received to establish new mink-keeping enterprises.
I established a Review Group in November 2011 to examine all aspects of fur farming in Ireland. The Terms of Reference of the Review Group were:
(i) To review fur farming in Ireland taking into account existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming
(ii) To comment on the economic benefits of the sector
(iii) To consider the effectiveness of existing welfare controls, and
(iv) To make appropriate recommendations
The Review Group invited submissions from the public and interested parties and considered over four hundred submissions which were received.
The Group recommended that fur farming should be allowed continue under licence and subject to official control.
On foot of the Review Group’s recommendations, my Department has introduced more rigorous controls on licence holders in the areas of animal welfare, animal accommodation, security and nutrient management. Licensees are subject to regular inspections, including unannounced inspections by Department officials.
Question 507 - Answered on 28th April, 2015
Maureen O'Sullivan: (Dublin Central, Independent) To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to reports that the Irish hare is feared extinct on North Bull Island; the action her Department is taking to protect wildlife on this internationally recognised nature reserve.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys
I propose to answer Questions Nos 507, 510 and 514 together.
The Bull Island is monitored regularly by officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. Despite these efforts and those of local landowners, the hare population there has remained at very low levels for the past 20 years.
A 1995 estimate put the population at 15-20 animals. Since then there has been some declines, as well as introductions during the 1990s. One current estimate of the population put the number as low as 6, with another estimate at 10-15. Such low numbers are believed to be attributable to a number of potential pressures, particularly disturbance by dogs. I understand that the main landowner, Dublin City Council, is working proactively to raise awareness and address management issues.
While it is a matter for the landowners on the island to consider if they wish to translocate hares there, such a proposal would require a licence from my Department under the Wildlife Acts and, in that regard, it would be important that conditions on the island would be suitable for a reintroduction programme.
Questions 410 and 408 - Answered on 28th April, 2015
Clare Daly TD: (Dublin North, United Left) To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a complete list of the names and addresses of all of Ireland's registered puppy farms - as well as the related numbers of breeding bitches and puppies - and if, in view of the animal cruelty involved, he will consider banning puppy farming in the Republic.
Clare Daly TD: (Dublin North, United Left) To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the recent raid on a puppy farm in Myshal, County Carlow which saw around 350 dogs removed, if data on puppy farms/dog breeding establishments is collated on a central database; the number of puppy farms registered here; the total overall capacity of breeding bitches; and if all puppy farms have been inspected annually.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Alan Kelly): I propose to take Questions Nos 410 and 408 together.
The regulation of each dog breeding establishment is a matter for the local authority in whose functional area the establishment is located.
The local authority must maintain for public inspection a register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area , which must include the name and address of the applicant seeking entry onto the register, the address of the dog breeding establishment and the maximum number of breeding bitches that may be kept at the dog breeding establishment or premises. There is no requirement to provide information on the number of puppies.
Data provided by local authorities in relation to certain of their dog control functions, including the number of dog breeding establishments registered by them since 2012, is available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/DogControl/
I have no information on the frequency of inspections of dog breeding establishments by local authorities.
Guidelines on welfare standards for dog breeding establishments , issued by my Department on commencement of the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010, are available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/DogControl/FileDownLoad,29096,en.doc
Local authorities may appoint authorised persons to, inter alia, inspect premises to monitor these standards, and in the case of significant deviation from the standards provided for in the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 , to issue an improvement notice. In the event that a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, a closure notice may be issued by the local authority. Operators of dog breeding establishments may appeal an improvement or closure notice to the District Court. I have no plans to ban the operation of dog breeding establishments.
More generally, the enforcement of welfare standards regarding all animals is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Clare Daly TD: (Dublin North, United Left) To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to make changes to welfare inspections and standards as a result of the recent situation in Myshall, County Carlow, and in view of a media report (details supplied) which revealed the Republic of Ireland was the source of many pups which supply the UK market.
Answered on 28th April, 2015.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine: (Simon Coveney) The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and the Local Authorities have responsibility for operating the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. My Department liaises closely with Local Authority personnel in all animal welfare matters. Furthermore, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, the ISPCA and the DSPCA have appointed a number of authorised officers to carry out animal welfare inspections. These arrangements are kept under the review.
I would like to state in the strongest terms possible that it is totally unacceptable that dogs or indeed any animals are kept in conditions described in the TV programme and I can assure the Deputy that my Department’s veterinary inspectors will continue to work proactively with their colleagues in the Local Authorities and the various animal welfare organisations to address animal welfare relating to dogs. In this context, I should point out that during my period in office, in spite of significant budgetary constraints, I have significantly increased the level of funding provided to animal welfare organisations, reflecting the importance I attach to their work.
Questions 893 - Answered on 15th April, 2015
Paul Murphy, TD (Dublin South West, Anti Austerity Alliance): To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the extinction of Irish hares from North Bull Island in Dublin city; her further views on action to restore and preserve Irish hares on the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Question 894 - Answered on 15th April, 2015
Tommy Broughan, TD (Dublin North–East, Independent): To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures to be taken to protect wildlife on North Bull Island, in view of reports that there have been no hares sighted there since June 2014; her plans to re-introduce hares to the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys
I propose to take Questions Nos 893 & 894 together.
The Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is found throughout the country. It is classified as a “protected species” under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, as well as being listed in Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC).
Under Article 17 of the Directive, Member States are obliged to report to the European Commission on the status of listed habitats and species every six years. Each species is assessed according to its range across Ireland, the population, the quality of its habitat and its future prospects. The Irish Hare was given a favourable conservation status in the Report entitled “The Status of European Union Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland”, which was submitted to the Commission in 2013. A copy of the report is available on the website of my Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service at www.npws.ie.
The Bull Island is monitored regularly by officers of my Department, but, despite these efforts and those of local landowners, the hare population has remained at very low levels for the past 20 years. While it is a matter for the landowners on the island to consider if they wish to translocate hares there, such a proposal would require a licence from my Department under the Wildlife Acts. In that regard, it would be important that conditions on the island would be suitable for a reintroduction programme.
Question 363
Clare Daly: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his Department's investigation into the suffocation of 11 Irish greyhounds aboard the Irish Ferries Oscar Wilde vessel in October 2014; and the action taken against those responsible.
For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 21st April, 2015.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine: (Simon Coveney) I understand that the matter to which the Deputy refers is being investigated by the French Authorities and Bord Na gCon. These investigations are ongoing, therefore I cannot comment any further on the matter.
"As a Tipperary native it disgusts me that the practice of Hare Coursing continues to take place in Clonmel." Fair City/The Clinic actor Rachel Pilkington, February 2015
Dog Warden Alert - We recently have been advised of two incidents where people walking their dogs at night were stopped by men posing as Dog Wardens, our Dog Wardens do not patrol the streets at night stopping people and looking for dog licences. All our Dog Wardens are uniformed, carry photographic I.D. and are in vans not cars. Should you be stopped by any person looking for a dog licence, immediately ask for I.D., should they be real Dog Wardens they will not have any difficulty presenting proof. Dog Wardens will issue a "10 Day Notice" to the owner to produce a dog licence and will not seek to seize the dog. from the Ashton Dog Pound website. Adopt a dog from the pound at http://www.ashtondogpound.com/#!adoptions/c6mv
"Another fox scooted out from under a furze bush. This time I had my wits about me. Ladybird and I strolled up to the Field Master, Ted Nolan and positioned ourselves for a racing start. This Fox ran for a full hour and a half without a break. I may have missed half the season, but today, I was catching time. We saw some of County Kilkenny and more of Carlow and still he ran. The hounds screamed tirelessly on the line." from an Island Foxhunt report, by Brian Munn, Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association, posted on Facebook.
"Starlings are great mimics. They can copy other birds, sirens and almost any sounds they hear in their neighbourhood." Michael Viney, Eye on nature, Irish Times, February 28th, 2015.
"Expensive clothes, holidays abroad and gambling trips to the greyhounds — that is how a disgraced chief executive spent some of the €65,000 (£50,000) she swindled from a children’s charity. Shamed Nuala Magee, 48, appeared in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court last Thursday alongside husband Declan Shannon, 44, to hear a lawyer detail how she, with his help, ripped-off Together 4 All...Craigavon Crown Court was told this included dinner and gambling trips to Drumbo Park greyhound track..." from Irish children's charity boss swindled €65k and spent some of it on clothes, holidays and the greyhounds, court told, Irish Independent, 4th May 2015.
Help raise awareness about Ireland’s animal cruelty issues – write letters to the editors of local and national newspapers to speak out against hare coursing, foxhunting, etc.
Coursing clubs make life easier for poachers
Irish Examiner, April 14, 2015
DJ Histon, of the Irish Coursing Club, paints a rosy picture of a ‘sport’ that is banned in Britain, Northern Ireland, and many other jurisdictions.
He emphasises the supposed conservation work of coursing clubs, citing a study that claims hares are 18 times more plentiful in areas where clubs operate.
This is an absurd argument. It goes without saying that there would be more hares on sites where coursing clubs maintain a supply of the animals for baiting, just as far more pheasants would be found in areas where driven shoots are organised, because the shooters have a vested interest in having enough of them to shoot.
Aside from the fact that opposition to hare coursing is based on animal welfare, the preserves maintained by coursing clubs are more harmful than beneficial to the conservation of hares.
Poaching gangs who use lurchers to attack and kill hares have been wreaking havoc on the hare population. They set their dogs on hares wherever they encounter them, but the coursing club preserves create a perfect, if unintended, opportunity for these gangs: all they have to do is nip down to the nearest preserve to indulge their ‘sporting’ instincts.
Far from being friends of the hare, coursing clubs are unwittingly making life easier for the poachers by creating easy access for them.
If DJ Histon cares about the hare, he should change sides and support the campaign for an outright ban on live coursing in Ireland.
Joe Barry
“Rose Lawn”, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny
Demise of island hares a scandal
Irish Examiner, April 08, 2015
The Campaign for the Abolition of Cruel Sports (CACS) is alarmed at the news that hares are now extinct on Dublin Bay’s North Bull Island, one of Ireland’s most important nature reserves and coincidentally one that for generations had been almost synonymous with the Irish hare.
An article on the North Bull Island Wildlife website, which is run by an ecologist with over 40 years experience of studying and recording wildlife, reveals that no hares have been spotted on the island since June 2014.
The disappearance of hares from the island is attributed to disturbance by humans and dogs, with assorted environmental factors playing a less significant role. The absence of the Irish hare from this internationally recognised nature reserve must surely be a matter of concern for our politicians, regardless of their views on the deliberate ill-treatment of hares in coursing.
It should also be a source of embarrassment to the political establishment, given the fact that licenses permitting the annual netting of thousands of hares are granted to coursing clubs.
Netting threatens local hare populations and is responsible for widespread interference with the species, including disturbance of pregnant hares, nursing mothers and leverets. Resulting depletion of vulnerable population pockets can lead to local extinction.
Apart from the cruelty factor (maulings, bone breakages, and other injuries are recorded by wildlife rangers annually at coursing events), there is also a concern about the reproductive viability of hares that are released back into the wild after being subjected to the terror, stress, and trauma of coursing.
The demise of the Irish Hare on the North Bull Island is all the more shocking and unacceptable given that the island has the most designations of any site in Ireland.
It is a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive, a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, a National Nature Reserve and is part of the Natura 2000 Network.
Yet, despite this blanket of theoretical protection, the hares seem to have vanished into thin air on the island.
We hope the Minister for Arts and Heritage will see fit to facilitate the re-introduction of hares to the North Bull Island and to allocate the necessary resources to the NPWS to enhance their protected status on the island thereafter.
John Fitzgerald
PRO, Campaign for the Abolition Of Cruel Sports
Lower Coyne Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Consign cruel sports to dustbin
The Newsletter, 04 April 2015
Congratulations to Belfast City Council for voting in favour of a motion calling for a ban on the hunting of mammals with dogs and the equally cruel practice of snaring.
It would be a proud step forward for Northern Ireland if the Executive were to enact such legislation.
It would end the nightmarish so-called sport in which a fox is hounded until its lungs give out and exhaustion delivers it to the pack to be eviscerated, not to mention the practise of unearthing foxes that escape underground during a hunt. These animals are dragged to the surface with the aide of spades and terriers. Fox and terrier alike suffers in the melee of savagery that ensues, and then the mangled live fox is tossed to the waiting hounds.
Snaring is an abomination in the countryside, leaving animals struggling for hours or even days to break free, often suffering a lingering death in the process.
In 2011 Northern Ireland banned hare coursing, and the prohibition of other forms of live animal baiting would be consistent with that humane approach. Here in the Republic we have a long way to go, with many blood sports still legal.
We hope Northern Ireland will set yet another shining example to us down here by dispatching cruel sports to where they belong: the dustbin of history.
John Fitzgerald,
Campaign for the Abolition of Cruel Sports
Co Kilkenny
Hunting and field sports
Irish Times, April 27 2015
Sir, – Philip Donnelly (April 22nd) is unhappy with my likening (April 20th) of illegal deer poaching to legal field sports. I stand over that comparison as I happen to believe that setting 20 or 30 hounds after a fox, to chase the animal until exhaustion delivers it to the pack, is every bit as cruel or inhumane as setting lurchers or other hunting dogs on deer, whether by night or in broad daylight. In both instances an animal is subjected to unnecessary distress and suffering to provide human beings with “sport” or amusement.
I do not accept that hunts should have the same legitimate role in society as GAA, soccer, or boxing. These are wholesome, recreational activities that promote the spirit of competition and fair play.
They are beneficial to those taking part, unlike practices in which animals are pitted against other animals to attack, kill, or inflict grievous injury on them.
As for Mr Donnelly’s criticism of the UK hunting ban’s alleged ineffectiveness, I would argue that this underscores the need to strengthen the ban, not reverse it, as the Conservative party has pledged to do in its manifesto. – Yours, etc,
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