General Election 2016 - where do the candidates stand on animal cruelty issues?
'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated' - Mahatma Gandhi
'Ultimately a great nation is a compassionate nation' - Martin Luther King
Before voting in the general election on Friday 26th February, read our guide to the candidates and where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Please make your vote count for the animals.
NOTES:
Individual candidate views may differ from official party policies, to which members are expected to follow in Dail Eireann. Click on the link to view party policies in relation to animal issues. Help us expand this list - let us know about responses you receive from candidates. If you are a candidate and wish to be included in this list, please get in touch with us now.
Carlow Kilkenny | Cavan Monaghan | Clare | Cork East | Cork North Central | Cork North West | Cork South Central | Cork South West | Donegal | Dublin Bay North | Dublin Bay South | Dublin Central | Dublin Fingal | Dublin Mid West | Dublin North West | Dublin Rathdown | Dublin South Central | Dublin South West | Dublin West | Dun Laoghaire | Galway East | Galway West | Kerry County | Kildare North | Kildare South | Laois | Limerick City | Limerick County | Longford Westmeath | Louth | Mayo | Meath East | Meath West | Offaly | Roscommon Galway | Sligo Leitrim | Tipperary | Waterford | Wexford | Wicklow
Bobby Aylward, TD (Fianna Fail, Carlow Kilkenny)
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.
Patrick Deering, TD (Fine Gael, Carlow Kilkenny):
Patrick Deering's director of elections in the 2011 General Election was Phil Meaney - "a member of the executive committee of the Irish Coursing Club and a member of the finance committee of the Irish Coursing Club" (Source Department of Agriculture website, 2011). Mr Meaney was subsequently appointed to the position of chairman of Bord na gCon. According to the Irish Independent of May 1st 2011, "The Government was in one hell of a hurry to appoint Mr Meaney to the top Bord na gCon job. [Agriculture Minister Simon] Coveney even admitted to having been politically lobbied, but insisted that was not a factor...Fine Gael Carlow TD, Pat Deering, conceded that he had lobbied on behalf of Mr Meaney."
Cllr David Fitzgerald (Fine Gael, Kilkenny County Council)
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
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.
Keith Gilligan (Independent, Carlow Kilkenny):
"Yes [in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing], it's cruel!" from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
John McGuinness TD (Fianna Fail, Carlow Kilkenny):
"The list of speakers [at a hunting function at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on 3rd November 2012] was completed by John McGuinness TD, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee who expressed fulsome support for all field sports." From the Hunting Association website.
On 23 October 2012, John McGuinness, TD asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht "the restrictions if any, that are in place which might prevent the sale of nooski traps and rodent control products here; if a licence to sell the products is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter." ICABS subsequently sent Deputy McGuinness a link to a video showing the cruelty of illegal nooski traps.
Cllr Patrick McKee (Renua, Kilkenny County Council)
"Sulky racing should be banned. Horses should be taken if not legally held. Individulas should be prosecuted. End of story #rtept...Behavior has been disgraceful by those involved. Endangering motorists. Torturing animals. Absolutley unacceptable." from a July 2015 tweet from Cllr McKee.
Conor MacLiam (AAA, Carlow Kilkenny):
"I am indeed opposed to fox hunting and hare coursing. I am also opposed to the use of large animals in circuses and any other instances of cruel treatment of animals for entertainment purposes. I am in favour of all industries, past-times or other interactions with animals being conducted in the most humane way possible. I think that our humanity can in many senses be measured by how we treat animals." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
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.
Responding to the content of the ICABS "Coursing Cruelty Catalogue 2014-15", Cllr Noonan stated that "it highlights a shocking disregard for the welfare of the animals."
Ann Phelan, TD (Labour Party, Carlow Kilkenny):
"I ask the Minister to continue to review the legislation in the area of hare coursing. This morning, I discovered that hares are at an endangered level...If the practice is to the detriment of a particular species, it must be well regulated and continually monitored." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed), 20 September 2012.
John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael, Carlow Kilkenny):
"At a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds, members were canvassed for their support by successful Fine Gael candidates Tom Hayes (Tipperary South) and John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny)". From the Hunting Association of Ireland website. An accompanying photo shows "Tom Hayes and John Paul Phelan at a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds" next to horses and hounds. (2011)
"I will not be supporting any ban on stag hunting." (2010)
"This Bill is potentially devastating for greyhound breeders and others. On Second Stage, for example, I mentioned hunt kennels. The Bill is the thin edge of the wedge in respect of what are loosely termed as country pursuits. I urge the Minister of State, as a representative of the largest Government party and one that, unlike some of the other parties in government, has roots in rural Ireland, to reflect on what is being proposed...Many of my neighbours who are rural people, although not farmers, have a few greyhounds and one of their few pleasures in life is to walk them every morning and evening and perhaps go to Kilcohan Park in Waterford or the greyhound track in Kilkenny city. When we have seen investment by the Government and from elsewhere in upgrading greyhound stadiums, it is bizarre to consider placing extra charges and impositions on greyhound breeders. I hope the Minister of State who represents the rural-based party in government will look to the people he knows who are involved in the greyhound industry and ensure they are not subject to a ridiculous form of double inspection." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9 March 2010.
Adrienne Wallace (People Before Profit, Carlow Kilkenny)
“I’m a vegetarian and of course I’m in favour of banning foxhunting and hare coursing” from a tweet to ICABS, April 2015.
Noel G Walsh (Independent, Carlow Kilkenny)
“I will be your full time local representative pursuing issues on your behalf [including] animal welfare” from a profile page on changeirishpolitics.com
Micheal Callaghan (Green Party, Cavan Monaghan):
"Yes I am in favour of a ban [on foxhunting and hare coursing]. Green Party policy strong on animal rights. In govt we banned stag hunting and puppy farms." from a tweet to ICABS, 20th January 2016.
In a February 2016 message to a contituent, Micheal Callaghan stated: "Our priorities in the next term in office are to: introduce measures requiring all pigs and poultry to be provided with adequate space, natural light and opportunities to carry out their natural behaviours. increase the numbers of officers authorised to enforce animal welfare laws, and provide additional resources to agencies, such as the ISPCA, whose inspectors have powers to investigate cruelty cases and initiate legal proceedings. ban fur farming of all species (mink, fox etc.) with a fair compensation scheme for existing fur farmers. end badger culling by snares and shooting and support alternative measures to minimise the spread of TB, such as oral vaccination. bring in legislation to end hare coursing and fox, hare and mink hunting for sport. introduce regulations to govern the commercial breeding of all species and licensing of pet shops and animal boarding facilities to ensure adequate standards. require consumer products derived from animals to carry labels showing how they conform to specific animal welfare criteria. ban all non-medical animal experiments. ensure that only circuses which do not use animal acts will be eligible for public funding. support zoos in fulfilling a role in education and conservation, provided that they comply with the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare. give higher priority to habitat creation and protection in farming policy, rural environment schemes and development planning."
Sean Conlan, TD (Fine Gael, Cavan Monaghan):
In March 2013, Sean Conlon voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Heather Humphreys, TD (Fine Gael, Cavan Monaghan):
As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys continued licensing cruel hare coursing. Her annual licence allowed coursing clubs to net thousands of hares from the wild and use them as live lures for greyhounds to chase. She disregarded appeals for her to refuse the licence, despite the ongoing suffering, injury and death of hares used in the bloodsport. Heather Humphreys also continued licensing the cruel snaring and killing of thousands of badgers (a supposedly protected species) as part of the Department of Agriculture's failed TB Eradication scheme.
In 2015, three weeks after issuing a hare coursing licence, Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys made her way to Birr Castle in County Offaly to attend a game fair which celebrates the killing of Irish wildlife. Minister Humphreys, who has refused to meet groups campaigning against bloodsports, was more than happy to perform the opening ceremony at an event which attracts those who blast wildlife to death, unleash lurchers and terriers to attack and kill foxes, use packs of hounds to terrorise and tear foxes apart and send ferrets underground to catch and injure rabbits. The Minister with responsibility for our Wildlife Act was photographed at last weekend's Birr Game Fair which promotes itself as being of interest to "the most discerning" hunters and shooters. Minister Humphreys was a "VIP Guest" of the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) whose members are responsible for the shooting of tens of thousands of foxes, deer, birds and other creatures. View the photo of Minister Humphreys posing next to hunting representatives http://tinyurl.com/zocuz87
Mick McDermott (Direct Democracy Ireland, Cavan Monaghan):
"I am strongly against any cruelty to animals. I am an animal lover. In my family we have always had pets (mostly dogs and cats). Myself and my wife have recently sent an application to help foster dogs to try save them from being put down. So I am strongly against Hare Coursing, Fox Hunting and Fur Farming." from an email to a constituent, February 2016.
Caoimhghin O Caolain, TD (Sinn Fein, Cavan Monaghan):
"I am totally opposed to live hare coursing."
Aoife O’Connell (Direct Democracy Ireland, Cavan Monaghan):
"I am against all animal cruelty, I adore animals and have 3 rescue dogs. I have hand rared kittens and puppies in order to give them a second chance, one of my first pets was a lion mane rabbit. I live beside a forest and would often see Foxes and the occasional Hare. These beautiful animals play a role in our eco system and should be protected. Fur farming is another disgusting industry that should be ashamed of themselves! All animals can feel, therefore they have a soul and we should honor them by caring and respecting them. I am strongly against hare coursing, fox hunting, fur farming and any other sick sport that puts these beautiful animals in harm's way." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Joe O’Reilly, TD (Fine Gael, Cavan Monaghan):
"Also central to my childhood was sport, by which I mean people going out to shoot in November, people going coursing or various forms of outdoor sport with beagles. Regardless of whether one likes it, the Ward Union Hunt is an integral part of rural society and rural life. The deer is not at risk in the physical sense... I am in favour of the Ward Union Hunt and have no quibbles about that." Speaking as a Senator, Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 30 June 2010
"I live beside a hunt known as the Drumlin Hounds in Cootehill. I am familiar with members of the hunt and know the dogs are well fed, cared for in an exemplary fashion and kept in the best possible conditions. Those involved in the hunt have an affection for their animals, are outdoors people and love sport...Next Friday week, I will attend a hunt ball in the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon in the Minister of State's constituency. I do so every year as the ball is an opportunity to meet a wonderful group of people from the Roscommon hunt who have a passion for what they do and love and care for their animals." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 10 February 2010.
Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein, Cavan Monaghan):
"I am opposed to fur farming and harvesting. I am against unnecessary animal cruelty, particularly where an animal is maimed, or killed, in an absence of regulation and oversight." from an email to a constituent, February 2016. Kathryn Reilly went on to say that, as a representative of Sinn Fein, she is bound by the party's animal welfare policy which states that Sinn Fein is opposed to a ban on hunting and hare coursing.
Brendan Smith, TD (Fianna Fail, Cavan Monaghan):
According to the Summer 2008 edition of the Hunting Association's newsletter, Minister Brendan Smith "officially opens Drumlin Hounds Equestrian Facility". The Drumlin Hounds is a Cavan hunt affiliated to the Irish Masters of Harriers Association. "The course, [was] built by Drumlin Equestrian with the aid of a grant from the Government Sports Capital Scheme...Minister Smith commended the group on their vision, perseverance and personal commitment in pursuing and completing this project." Minister Smith was photographed alongside members of the hunt.
Mary Smyth (Independent, Cavan Monaghan):
"I wish to state that all animals are God's creatures and are entitled to be treated humanely. I am utterly opposed to both foxhunting and hare coursing as both pursuits result in the savage pack slaughter of live, terrified animals who cannot by nature escape such an attack. In my view both pursuits are cruel and barbaric, purely designed to satisfy the primitive lusts of human bully boys with horses, dogs and bugles. Let animals be." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
John Wilson (Independent, Cavan Monaghan):
"Foxhunting, hare coursing and fur farming are barbaric practices. I can't be any clearer than that." from a message to a constituent, January 2016.
Pat Breen, TD (Fine Gael, Clare):
"We all know people in every parish in every county who take great pride in their greyhounds and Clare is no different. Many of the dog breeders there go to the greyhound tracks in Limerick or Galway every Friday and Saturday night and they look forward to that social event. Greyhound racing and coursing are extremely important...Many people are involved in coursing clubs, such as the Tradaree Coursing Club. They want to have a dog who will raise a flag and win a race in Clonmel or wherever...I visited the kennels of the County Clare Hunt, which are located in my parish of Drumquin." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage, 2nd June 2010
Joe Carey, TD (Fine Gael, Clare):
"The issuing of hunter certificates and management of entries and declarations for point-to-point racing and the financial receipts associated with those functions will remain with the local hunt clubs...Income streams that currently go to local hunt clubs will be unaffected. I commend the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under the chairmanship of Deputy Andrew Doyle, on its role in formulating this important legislation." Joe Carey TD during Horse Racing Ireland Bill 2015, 11 November 2015.
"I am a greyhound owner and breeder...I acknowledge and welcome the involvement of greyhound industry interests, including the IGB [and] Irish Coursing Club..." Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011: Second Stage, 30 June 2011.
"I wish to put on record my opposition to this Bill and its knock-on effect on the greyhound industry. The Irish greyhound industry is a world leader and it has been allowed to grow and develop under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill will tamper with and have a very negative effect on the greyhound industry." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Discussion, 11 May 2010
"This column has gone to the dogs, so today, we are dedicating it to Taco Beauty, a dark brindle breeding bitch belonging to Clare TD Joe Carey. While speaking on the controversial dog breeding Bill in the Dail yesterday, Fine Gael's new assistant chief whip told his delighted colleagues that he just found out that his breeding bitch is in pup." from Miriam Lord's week column, Irish Times, 3rd July 2010
"Deputy Joe Carey: I welcome the Minister's new-found regard for the Irish Coursing Club." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009, 8th July 2010.
Timmy Dooley, TD (Fianna Fail, Clare):
"There is nothing in this legislation that can in any way impact on greyhound racing, hare coursing, fox hunting, fishing or shooting. I would not and will not support any legislation that would seek to ban any of these pursuits, which are an integral part of the fabric of rural life." from "Fianna Fáil resignation over stag ban", Clare Champion, 2010.
Michael McNamara (Labour Party, Clare):
In March 2013, Michael McNamara voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
"The difficulty in obtaining licences for boats to carry live exports out of Ireland has long been a bugbear of mine." Michael McNamara, Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 12 May 2015. "I can see what could be wrong with exporting mature animals to the Continent because they would be killed there and would be competing with Irish animals killed here but if they are going to a third country like Libya, what is wrong with exporting 12 year old cows if that is what they are looking for over there?" Michael McNamara, Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 25 March 2014.
Niamh O’Brien (Fis Nua, Clare):
"I agree with you on everything. I will try go into more detail at some stage because this is a very important issue, close to my heart and a lot of my friends and family. I will sign any petition that protects animals and provides proper punishment for offenders. I know the racing industry is tarred with horrifying practices and should be dealt with accordingly." from a reply to the National Animal Rights Association, 2016.
Fergal Smith (Green Party, Clare):
"I stand behind the Green Party's position on animal rights. We are all apart of the environment and we are all so interconnected. The environment is at the top of my list and that means looking after all living things. We need to understand the importance of balance in nature and educate ourselves on how best to promote that in our local environments." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Tom Barry, TD (Fine Gael, Cork East):
"As a person who shoots game...Shooting at game are part of the countryside and will remain. I disagree fundamentally with people who say that we shouldn't be doing it at all." From a Dail debate on the Wildlife Act, featured on Oireachtas Report, 18 July 2012. Watch on Youtube
In a September 2014 letter from Mallow Coursing Club to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (obtained by ICABS under Freedom of Information) in relation to licence breaches, 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." In a climb-down, following discussions with Minister Heather Humphreys, the National Parks decided not to sanction Mallow coursing club, despite the licence breach conditions. For more information, see Minister Humphreys Rolls Over For Hare Coursers
Senator Paul Bradford (Renua):
"The Minister [Michael Finneran, Fianna Fail] does not propose to change his mind and does not respect or accept the bona fides of the Irish Coursing Club or greyhound industry." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9 March 2010
"It is a given that rural organisations, including hunt and coursing clubs, cannot survive if they do not meet the highest standards of animal husbandry, hygiene and animal feeding propriety. They would not exist if they did not look after these matters with near perfection...If we see such traditions not just as historical but as important for the Ireland of today, we should help them to survive into the future. We should ensure hunting and coursing clubs and other rural organisations such as point-to-point associations remain part of the fabric of rural Ireland." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 10 February 2010
Ken Curtin (Social Democrats, Cork East):
"Have mixed views as can see both sides of argument, I'd be of the view they're OK to continue but under strict rules" from a 19th January 2016 tweet in reply to ICABS asking "Are you in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing." In appealing to him to reconsider his stance, ICABS told Mr Curtin that hare coursing and foxhunting are inherently cruel and that no amount of rules will change that.
Natasha Harty (Green Party, Cork East):
"I genuinely share many of your concerns about animal welfare" from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Ciara Leonardi Roche (Anti Austerity Alliance, Cork East):
"I am strongly against foxhunting & hare coursing. I think it's a barbaric sport and it should be banned." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Kieran McCarthy (Independent, Cork County Council)
"I'm against bloodsports and I'm a supporter of well known Cobh animal rights group, ARK." from a text message to ICABS, April 2014.
In 2014, Cllr McCarthy tabled a motion to ban circuses that use animals. “Forcing them to perform and keeping them locked up in cages is wrong,” he said. 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.” (Source: Irish Examiner, June 10, 2014)
Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe (Fianna Fail, Cork East):
In 2010, Cork County Councillor Kevin O'Keeffe shamefully tabled a joint motion proposing that "that this council gives its support to the [pro-bloodsports] RISE campaign to ensure that rural sports can continue to be maintained". Kevin O'Keeffe is the son of pro-bloodsports former TD Ned O'Keeffe who is on record as saying that any attempt to abolish "rural pursuits" such as hare coursing would be "vigorously resisted''. As a pig farmer in 1995, Ned O'Keeffe farcically called for a ban the children's film, Babe, over fears that it would lead to a drop in the sale of pig meat.
Sean Sherlock, TD (Labour, Cork East):
"I am in favour of field sports and coursing and I have been at greyhound meetings. The people I represent are those who rear pups." Stated by Sean Sherlock during the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage, 8 July 2010.
"Cork East TD Sean Sherlock said he would reserve comment on stag hunting until the matter had been discussed internally. 'I believe there must be some sort of regulation but we must not regulate field sports out of existence.'" (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)
"Deputy Sean Sherlock: If [the Minister] were to support the amendment, that would give great solace to the Irish Greyhound Board, the Irish Coursing Club and to every single dog owner throughout the country who courses hares or races greyhounds in such places as Curraheen Park and Youghal." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage 8 July 2010.
In a September 2014 letter from Mallow Coursing Club to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (obtained by ICABS under Freedom of Information) in relation to licence breaches, 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." In a climb-down, following discussions with Minister Heather Humphreys, the National Parks decided not to sanction Mallow coursing club, despite the licence breach conditions. For more information, see Minister Humphreys Rolls Over For Hare Coursers
David Stanton, TD (Fine Gael, Cork East):
In March 2013, David Stanton voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
David Stanton voted against the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which banned staghunting.
Cllr Mick Barry (Socialist Party/Anti Austerity Alliance, Cork City Council)
"I am opposed to blood 'sports' and 'sports' that involve cruelty to animals. I am also opposed to wild animal circuses and favour a Council ban on them. I am equally opposed to foxhunting and hare coursing." from an email to ICABS, May 2014.
Billy Kelleher, TD (Fianna Fail, Cork North Central):
In March 2013, Billy Kelleher voted against an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on fur farming in Ireland. Billy Kelleher also voted against the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004.
Kathleen Lynch, TD (Labour Party, Cork North Central):
Kathleen Lynch, TD was due to take part [in a Late Late Show debate on hunting] as a main speaker on the panel, opposing a hunting representative. from Hunters run scared of Late Late Show, ICABS website, 10 January 2008.
Kathleen Lynch voted in favour of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50.
Oliver Moran (Green Party, Cork North Central):
"[The Green Party] will end hare coursing, fox hunting, hare hunting and mink hunting for sport." from a tweet to ICABS, 19th January 2016.
Dara Murphy, TD (Fine Gael, Cork North Central):
In March 2013, Dara Murphy voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
In a March 2014 Dail question, Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality "his plans to alter legislation in relation to gun ownership for hunting and target practice; if he has received any requests to alter such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
Jonathan O'Brien, TD (Sinn Fein, Cork North Central):
In March 2013, Jonathan O'Brien voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Paddy O’Leary (Renua, Cork North Central):
"I think both fox hunting and coursing are cruel and a throwback to our colonial past and best left there. Count me as an opposer to all blood sports." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Ted Tynan (Workers Party, Cork City Council)
"Very much yes [in favour of a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting]." from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.
Aine Collins, TD (Fine Gael, Cork North West):
Aine Collins TD did not respond to an appeal to her to join calls for an end to cruel hare coursing in her local Millstreet Town Park. ICABS filmed dozens of hares running for their lives during a coursing meeting in the park. In our appeal to Deputy Collins, we stated: "We are writing to appeal to you to please speak out against hare coursing and join calls to the Millstreet Town Park Committee to stop hosting this cruel activity. Irish Council Against Blood Sports monitors present in the park earlier this month witnessed hares desperately trying to escape from greyhounds. The dogs were released from next to the park's goalposts to chase after the terrorised hares."
Michael Creed, TD (Fine Gael, Cork North West):
In a statement issued in October 2009, Michael Creed, TD stated: "Fine Gael supports country sports which are carried out humanely, properly supervised and monitored and that do not involve any undue risk to animal welfare. If these criteria can be satisfied Fine Gael does not oppose properly licensed country sports activities. Fine Gael will oppose any move by Government to deny groups who have conducted their activities as per their licences, the right to continue to pursue these activities in the future. We believe that imposing a ban on these licensed activities would be a retrograde step both in terms of animal welfare and economically. "
Fine Gael's Spokesperson for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, Michael Creed, has been asked by ICABS to stop defending the cruel blood sport of beagling. In a Sunday Independent report, the County Cork TD sided with the beaglers and criticised Minister John Gormley for restricting the beagling season. The June 1st 2008 article quoted Deputy Creed as saying that "any assault on the ordinary working man's pursuit of beagling by some Green metropolitan latte-drinking elite would not be taken lying down". For more information, see ICABS responds to Deputy Michael Creed's beagling remarks
Shirley Griffin (The People’s Convention, Cork North West)
"[Me and my husband] both love and respect animals...The principle of the People's Candidates is that we don't use our position to further our own cause. If we are elected we will be serving the people. If a motion came up in the council to ban hare coursing or foxhunting, I would hold a meeting and the people of the Ballincollig/Carriagaline area would be invited to vote on it, and I would then vote on what the majority wanted. This, in our opinion, is true democracy. No vested interest, just the will of the majority." from an email to ICABS, May 2014.
Cormac Manning (Green Party, Cork North West):
"If elected I would support legislation to ban fox hunting and hare coursing. With relation to fur farming I would also support banning the practice, though a compensation scheme would need to be implemented to help current fur farmers transition to other jobs." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Michael Moynihan TD (Fianna Fail, Cork North West):
"Those involved in the industry and coursing clubs are genuine, decent and honourable people, providing employment and entertainment and maintaining animal welfare standards second to none...We must acknowledge the voluntary contributions people made in Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club. Many of them have been attacked from certain quarters. It is up to those who acknowledge these people’s contribution to stand up for them and point out that their sports are completely legitimate." From a Dail debate on the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, 30 June 2011
Diarmuid O'Flynn (Independent, Cork North West):
A supporter of hare coursing, Diarmuid O'Flynn wrote an article for the Irish Examiner in 2014 entitled "House of pure coursing". In it, he wrote: " After the delayed start on Saturday the coursing itself went as smoothly as could be, not a hare knocked all day, slipper Brian Doyle doing a superb job giving hare and hound every chance...Overall another successful meeting for another successful coursing club. With only Macroom to go this week, the excitement is building for Clonmel, almost every box ticked. Less than three weeks now, and counting"
As a Cork Examiner columnist in 2001, Diarmuid O'Flynn bemoaned the lack of media coverage for Clonmel's coursing cruelty festival, writing: "The Irish media army’s silence during the three-day Clonmel event, their derisory coverage when they did deign to report, should not be interpreted as indifference. They are merely waiting, hiding in the long grass, for the campaign to begin. When it does, the coursing fans, the hunters, will have no chance."
Steven O’Riordan (Independent, Cork North West):
"I would look for it to be banned." in reply to a message from Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society relating to fox hunting, hare coursing, fur farming and animal act circuses. January 2016.
Jerry O’Sullivan (Independent, Cork North West):
"I do not support animal cruelty and I do not support the tearing apart of animals for sport...I am a farmer but I always treat my animals with great care. I hate animal cruelty. I am lucky to live and work in a wonderful place full of nature - hares, Irish squirrels, deer and many more wild animals. I don't really know anything about Fox hunting. But I do know about hare coursing and I am completely against using live hares. I do not support any animal being torn apart for sport." from a tweet/email to ICABS, February 2016.
Lorna Bogue (Green Party, Cork South Central):
"The Green Party has always supported animal rights and our full policy can be found here https://greenparty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Green-Party-Animal-Welfare-Policy_June-20151.pdf " from a tweet to ICABS, 20th January 2016.
Jerry Buttimer, TD (Fine Gael, Cork South Central):
"As someone who has had a family involvement in greyhounds over the years, I think it is important that we understand the massive economic activity that the greyhound industry generates in Ireland...We must examine the issue of making greyhound racing and horse racing sustainable in this country. We must look at the betting industry here." Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, 30th June 2011.
Simon Coveney (Fine Gael, Cork South Central):
In February 2015, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney admitted that he has participated in the shameful bloodsport of foxhunting. During a Dail in which he defended the cruel activity, Simon Coveney revealed: “I have hunted”. Despite acknowledging that he is “sure” that foxes get pulled apart by packs of hounds during foxhunts, he refused to ban the activity. “When I have hunted, I have never seen a fox being pulled apart,” he said. “I am sure, however, that it happens and I am not saying it does not.” Dismissing an impassioned appeal from Irish Council Against Blood Sports president, Maureen O’Sullivan TD, to embrace drag hunting and outlaw the hunting of live animals with packs of dogs, Coveney outlined that he and his colleagues are aiming to accommodate those who get their kicks from cruelty. “Our policy decisions try to strike a balance for those who derive great enjoyment from hunting,” he said. This included inserting an exemption into the Animal Health and Welfare Act which gives fox hunters immunity from prosecution for what would otherwise be an offence of animal cruelty.
"For the sake of clarity, this section does not apply to activity occurring during the normal course of hunting, fishing or coursing...We have done a separate review on fur farming, the details of which I can give to the Deputy. We will not ban it..." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, Dail Eireann, September 19th, 2012. Watch on Youtube
"It is not appropriate to simply outlaw hare coursing and hunting when they are pursued according to the codes of conduct drawn up by clubs. Considerable numbers of people are passionate about these pursuits and my job is to ensure that standards are met rather than simply outlawing practices." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, Dail Eireann, September 20th, 2012.
"We went to great lengths to ensure we were not doing anything that would prevent people from continuing to participate in field sports as they would have in the past, as long as that is in a way that is consistent with the codes of conduct enshrined in those sports, including coursing, hunting and fishing. The measure applies only if there is undue cruelty such as the digging out of animals when they have gone to ground, which is unacceptable. In the legislation I am not banning coursing and hunting through the back door. We are trying to get the balance right between facilitating field sports and ensuring the codes of practice agreed for those sports are respected. If people begin to operate outside these codes, that is a different issue." Simon Coveney (Minister, Department of Agriculture, the Marine and Food; Cork South Central, Fine Gael) Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage, 22 May 2012 Watch on Youtube
"I have probably answered Deputy Colreavy's arguments on whether fur-farming and coursing are absolutely necessary. They are not. When something is not necessary for people to live and eat, it is a judgment call whether that means one should ban activities such as coursing and fur-farming, whether or not one likes them. It is my judgment that we should regulate rather than ban them." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (Continued), 22 November 2012
"I am trying to get balanced legislation that takes account of farming and hunting practices in a reasonable way, but also provides appropriate protection for animals to ensure that we do not have either wanton or accidental cruelty because neither is acceptable." Dail Eireann Questions and Answers, 10th May 2012
Cllr Mick Finn (Independent, Cork South Central)
"I personally don't like fox hunting or coursing, but I know that hunting has been around for centuries in Ireland. Many abhor but many also participate in these events." March 2014.
Elizabeth Hourihane (Independent, Cork South Central):
"I am against all kinds of cruelty to animals...animal testing, etc" from a text message to ICABS, February 2016.
Ciaran Lynch, TD (Labour Party, Cork South Central):
"Everyone is looking for legislation to be introduced in this House to deal with the scandalous practices that have existed in Irish puppy farming for a significant period of time. Like other political parties, the Labour Party believes measures to deal with this scandal are long overdue...The Labour Party recognises that hunt clubs are not commercial dog-breeding establishments and that groups affiliated to the Hunting Association of Ireland, HAI, should be seen in that context and not be defined in the Bill as subject to the same definitions and regulatory regimes as puppy farms...the Labour Party seeks to avoid a regulatory regime that could be exploited by opponents of legitimate dog hunting clubs...I am not a coursing person, but Deputy Sherlock has informed me that the hare has been truly and surely "turned" on this matter and that there has been a climbdown on the issue...The Bill will create a mass of bureaucracy for clubs that hunt legitimately, whether drag hunting or fox hunting. These are clubs that take great care of the their hounds." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage, 2nd July 2010.
Micheal Martin, TD (Fianna Fail, Cork South Central):
Speaking on RTE's Questions and Answers on 20th September 2004, Micheal Martin, TD stated that he does not think foxhunting should be banned in Ireland. Responding to a question from presenter, John Bowman, Deputy Martin said: "Foxhunting has been a part of Irish rural life for quite a long time, since well before the foundation of the state. I'm not sure banning a sport like that is the way to deal with issues like this." His comments came just five days after members of Parliament in the UK voted overwhelmingly to make foxhunting illegal there.
Michael McGrath (Fianna Fail, Cork South Central):
In March 2013, Michael McGrath voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
In a September 2008 Dail question, Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment "when he will introduce regulations to implement the recommendations of the working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments; and his plans to exempt the kennels of non-commercial clubs registered with the Hunting Association of Ireland from such regulations."
Diarmaid O Cadhla (The People’s Convention)
"My view [on bloodsports] doesn't matter. I'm standing in [the 2014 election] to represent my community, as required by Bunreacht, the people decide policy." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014. In response, ICABS stated "Your view certainly does matter to the electorate deciding who to vote for."
Jim O’Connell (People Before Profit Alliance, Cork South Central):
"I am opposed to all blood sports and unnecessary exploitation of animals including circus acts, racing and fur farming." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Fiona Ryan (AAA, Cork South Central):
"I absolutely abhor any exploitation, endangerment and injury of animals for human entertainment and commit fully to support or put forward legislation that improves animal welfare, particularly in regards to bringing an end to live game hunting and exploitation within circuses." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Cllr Alan Coleman (Fianna Fail, Cork County Council)
"I support rural activities, particularly the hunts that are engaged in foxhunting. I don't have an involvement myself but do give permission for my lands to be hunted." from an email to ICABS, June 2014.
Jim Daly, TD (Fine Gael, Cork South West):
In March 2013, Jim Daly voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Noel Harrington, TD (Fine Gael, Cork South West):
In March 2013, Noel Harrington voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Michael McCarthy, TD (Labour, Cork South West):
"To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a decision will issue on a deer hunting licence application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter." Dail Question, 6th October 2011.
Cork TD Michael McCarthy who was last week slammed for playing a cruel pizza delivery prank on Mattie McGrath has been challenged by ICABS after he returned correspondence in which we urged him to back a ban on Ireland's worst animal cruelty. As part of our campaign to outlaw foxhunting, the digging out of foxes and the use of terriers to flush them out, we wrote to every single Minister, TD and Senator in the Oireachtas, appealing to them to support an amendment to ban this barbarity in the new Animal Health & Welfare Bill. To leave no doubt about the suffering involved, we enclosed photographs of injured Irish dogs and foxes. Instead of expressing sympathy for the plight of the animals and offering to help, the Cork South West Labour TD, put our letter and photographs back into an envelope and sent them back. His accompanying curt message was: "If the purpose of this letter was to get my attention, then it worked. Very distasteful. Michael."
Cllr Margaret Murphy O’Mahony (Fianna Fail, Cork South West)
Fianna Fail councillor Margaret Murphy O’Mahony also leant her support to the [anti-circus] 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. (Source: Irish Examiner, June 10, 2014)
Fiona O'Leary (Independent, Cork South West)
"Yes I am in favour of a ban on foxhunting, hare coursing and all blood sports! I am completely against all blood sports and do not view torturing and murdering an animal as a sport! I adore animals and support your campaign to end this cruelty." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Johnny O’Mahony (Green Party, Cork South West):
"I oppose fox hunting and hare coursing as is stated in Green Party policy" from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Gary Doherty (Sinn Fein, Donegal County Council)
"I am opposed to any form of blood sports and any activity which perpetuates undue and inhumane cruelty to animals." from a text message to ICABS, June 2015.
Pearse Doherty, TD (Sinn Fein, Donegal):
"This government is allocating 76 euro million to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund while giving less than that, 64 million euro, to the Drugs Initiatives and Young People's Facilities Fund. This is unacceptable. If the government were to re-allocate tax payers money out of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund then resources for the Drugs Initiatives and Young People's Facilities Fund under Budget 2008 could be more than doubled." (Donegal Sinn Fein Senator Pearse Doherty in a Donegal News report highlighting how the county's drugs squad has been left with just one part-time officer - February 1st, 2008)
Paula Flanagan (Green Party, Donegal):
"The Green Party brought in ban on stag hunting you can find our policy here https://greenparty.ie/policies/animal-welfare/" from a tweet to ICABS, 20th January 2016.
Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP (Fianna Fail)
In March 2004, Pat the Cope Gallagher - as Minister of State at the Department of the Environment - defended the licensing of the cruel Ward Union deer hunt, saying: "Section 26 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, which governs the licensing of the hunting of deer by stag hounds, refers generically to deer, and the question of whether deer are domestic or wild is not an issue in that section...[This is] sufficient to empower the Minister to licence the Ward Union hunt." He was responding to a call from the late Tony Gregory TD that "this matter demands action and a resolute stand against the vested interests involved in torturing helpless animals."
In 2005, foxes and mink were doomed to lives of misery on fur farms following the rejection by Dail Eireann of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50. Pat the Cope Gallagher was among the 62 Fianna Fail TDs who voted AGAINST the bill.
In November 2009, Pat the Cope Gallagher was strongly criticised by animal welfare campaigners after he appealed to the government to reconsider its plans to phase out cruel fur farming. The Donegal Democrat reported that Fianna Fail MEP Gallagher "said he will be asking the government to re-consider the position on fur farming which would see two mink farms close in south west Donegal." In a letter to Mr Gallagher, ICABS highlighted the suffering endured by mink and foxes on Irish fur farms. "Regardless of the small amount of jobs supported by this cruelty in Donegal or the euros it generates, nothing will ever change the fact that it is a disgraceful, disgusting and depraved industry," we stated. Witness the cruelty of Ireland's fur farming
Niamh Kennedy (Independent, Donegal):
"I am an animal lover. Of course I would support this issue of animal welfare." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society, January 2016.
Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Fein, Donegal):
In a January 2016 Dail question, Padraig MacLochlainn TD referred to the hunting and shooting of animals as "sporting and leisure activities" and asked the Minister for Arts and Heritage to address the concerns of those involved - "To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of the grievance within some rural communities that responsibility for sporting and leisure activities such as dog trials, shooting and game hunting in bogs and other State owned lands, passed from the Land Commission to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2000, without any consultation; and if she will ensure that the concerns of those rural communities are heard and acted upon."
"Councillor Padraig MacLochlainn said dog owners 'have a responsibility' to ensure their dog is kept under control. He said: 'It gets a laugh when it is raised but its very, very serious matter. There are children playing around that Green and there's a real risk of toxoplasmosis, which leads to the loss of sight - it's a serious health risk...Dog owners have a responsibility, nobody is allowed to have a dog out without a leash, it is a very, very serious matter.'" Dogs fall foul of local councillors, The Inish Times, 2007
"Colr MacLochlainn added: 'The law states clearly that dogs should be tied up and locked up, not roaming the streets. I am a dog lover myself, but it is the responsibility of the dog owners to look after their dogs - and make sure this does not happen again. They have a responsibilty to young children.'" Calling time on stray dogs, Derry Journal, 31 August 2007
Charlie McConalogue, TD (Fianna Fáil, Donegal):
In March 2013, Charlie McConalogue voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Joe McHugh TD (Fine Gael, Donegal):
"I was recently approached by a Border town game hunting club in my own constituency. The Department of Justice will not grant it a licence because it has members from both sides of the Border. Artificial barriers imposed by the current Government undermine everyday cross-border cooperation at community level. These are the challenges that must be addressed." Speech by Joe McHugh TD to Fine Gael National Conference, March, 2010
Cordelia Nic Fhearraigh (Fis Nua, Donegal):
In a February 2016 email to ICABS, Cordelia Nic Fhearraigh said she backs Fis Nua's policy on animal welfare - "Aontaím leis an polasaí atá ag Fís Nua go bhfuil muid glan in éadan gníomhartha chruáltacha ar ainmhithe chomh maith le seilg ainmhithe le haghaidh spórt." The policy states: "We denounce all forms of animal cruelty and terrorisation, and hunting animals for sport." http://fisnua.com/manifesto/environment-2/
Thomas Pringle, TD (Independent, Donegal):
"I think it is clear that I am not supporting these [anti-hunting and anti-coursing] amendments and it is only because of the situation in the Dail that the amendments have to be submitted in my name as the only independent on the select committee that will consider the legislation. I have no problem with field sports provided there is no unnecessary cruelty to animals during the sports and I know that most people involved are trying to preserve a rural way of life." Thomas Pringle, 14th November, 2012. http://www.thomaspringle.ie/?p=1596
Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan: First, I acknowledge the work of Deputy Thomas Pringle in allowing the amendments to be tabled because he had difficulties with some of them. I am conscious that the amendments tabled by Deputy Clare Daly and I presented difficulties for him. Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage, 22 November 2012
Tommy Broughan, TD (Independent, Dublin Bay North):
"Animal welfare is something that I feel very strongly about and is an issue that I have raised on many occasions in Dáil Éireann. I am against animal cruelty in any way, shape or form and believe that animals should not be used in hunting, coursing or in any situation where they are mistreated for human entertainment. Animals are sentient beings and should be protected and safe. I have raised many questions and issues over the years regarding the race horse industry and dog breeding in particular and of course, will remain a strong advocate for animal welfare and rights should I be re-elected to the 32nd Dáil." from a reply to the National Animal Rights Association, 2016.
ICABS has sent a message of thanks to Dublin North East TD, Tommy Broughan, after he abstained from voting in the Wildlife Amendment Bill vote in 2010. "We wish to thank you very much for remaining true to your principles and refusing to vote against the Wildlife Amendment Bill on Tuesday. Your action helped achieve success for this historic bill and bring the cruel ward union hunt to an end. You have our greatest respect and admiration," we stated. Read More
"I remain opposed to all so called blood 'sports'." (February 2010)
"[I] support your call to introduce drag coursing in place of coursing of hares." (September 2003)
On 27th March 2013, Tommy Broughan supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Richard Bruton, TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Bay North):
In March 2013, Richard Bruton voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Paul Clarke (Independent)
In his animal welfare policies, Paul Clarke states: "End Fox hunting, cub-hunting and Animal Fighting practices. Paul supports government action that ends the practice of fox hunting, cub-hunting, “Digging Out,” and other animal fighting that unnecessarily causes pain, suffering and harm to wild and domesticated animals. As the World Organization for Animal Health has recognized, the use of animals in recreation should be reserved for instances that make a major contribution to the wellbeing of people. It is difficult to argue that these practices meet that standard."
"It is really not humane to make animals fight each other as they lack the sensibilities which humans have." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.
Donna Cooney (Green Party)
"I am committed (as are my party) to animal welfare. I am a vegetarian all my life. I help animals in need, whenever I can. I would be totally against blood sports or any activity that hurts animals. Although there is no hunting in Dublin city, I will as a representative if elected, always consider the welfare of animals in any council policy decision and lobby against hunting, fur, animal testing." Donna Cooney (Green Party, Dublin City Council [Clontarf] Candidate), March 2014.
Terence Flanagan, TD (Renua, Dublin Bay North):
"I support the Irish Council Against Blood Sports' call for the Ward Union hunt to be refused a licence," Deputy Flanagan stated in a letter to Minister John Gormley, October 2007. For more, see Terence Flanagan, TD joins calls for end to deer hunt
In March 2015, Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture "if hare coursing will be banned".
In a February 2015 Dail Question, Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture "if he will provide an update regarding legislation for fur farming".
In October 2012, Terence Flanagan asked Minister Simon Coveney "if he will respond to the following query regarding the Animal Welfare Bill (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter." Read the reply
Cllr Deirdre Heney (Fianna Fail, Dublin Bay North):
"Animal welfare is a matter close to my heart, particularly in an urban setting. If elected I will support any policies that encourages public awareness around animal welfare issues." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society. January 2016.
Cllr Sean Haughey (Fianna Fail, Dublin City Council / Clontarf)
In 2010, Sean Haughey TD voted in favour of the ban on carted stag hunting.
In 2005, foxes and mink were doomed to lives of misery on fur farms following the rejection by Dail Eireann of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50. Sean Haughey was among the TDs who voted AGAINST the bill.
In June 2005, Sean Haughey, TD asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food "her views on the horrific slaughter of 4,300 pigs on a farm in Waterford in 2002 which was presided over by officials from her Department".
Cllr John Lyons (People Before Profit, Dublin City Council)
"I am most certainly in favour of a ban on these horrific activities [hare coursing and fox hunting]." from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.
Finian McGrath, TD (Independent, Dublin Bay North):
"Finian McGrath saved the day for the stags of north Dublin and Meath this week by voting with the Government on the hunting ban." Irish Independent, July 3rd 2010.
"Finian McGrath and Maureen O'Sullivan have told the Herald that they are determined to see stag hunting ended. Both say that blood sports are entirely wrong and should be stamped out as soon as possible..."I would be totally against blood sports," [Finian] said. "I have major concern around the chasing of stags. There have been a couple of serious incidents. In one incident a stag was chased into a schoolyard. It was appalling, disgraceful." Evening Herald, June 29 2010.
"I support the plan to end doping and rigging of greyhound races. I demand standards in the industry to root out doping and sleaze. Although it is an important social and family event, the downside of it is coursing, on which we need a debate." During a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, 8th June 2006.
"You have my total support in relation to blood sports. I am definitely opposed to them". November, 2003
On 27th March 2013, Finian McGrath supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Cllr Michael O'Brien (Anti Austerity Alliance, Dublin City Council / Clontarf)
Hare coursing is a "wretched activity". from an email to ICABS, June 2015.
"I support the complete banning of all bloodsports in this country. I wish you and your campaign every success with this important struggle."
Cllr Cian O'Callaghan (Independent, Fingal County Council)
"I am supportive of your organisation and campaign." (from an email to ICABS in March 2012)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD (Labour Party, Dublin Bay North):
In an October 2011 Dail Question, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Agriculture "if he will reaffirm his commitment to end fur farming" and "if the animal health and welfare Bill will deal with this issue". However, less than two years later in March 2013, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban fur farming.
He also voted against amendments to the Bill which aimed to outlaw foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling and the use of animals in circus performances.
Senator Averil Power (Independent, Dublin Bay North):
Senator Averil Power has condemned hare coursing as a "cruel pursuit" and called for a ban on the activity. During a Senate debate on Animal Health and Welfare Bill on 20 June 2012, Senator Power stated: "While I welcome the improvements in animal welfare provided for in the Bill I am disappointed that the Government decided against banning live hare coursing. As the Minister is aware, the practice has been banned in most other countries, including the UK and Northern Ireland, and it is my strong personal view that it is a cruel pursuit. Other countries have managed to create a sport out of drag coursing without inflicting pain and cruelty on animals.
"Bloodsports - opposed" from a reply to the National Animal Rights Association, 2016.
Cllr Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein, Dublin City Council)
As a TD in 2010, Chris Andrews voted in favour of the ban on carted deer hunting.
Lucinda Creighton, TD (Renua, Dublin Bay South):
During a November 2015 Dail debate. Renua leader Lucinda Creighton suggested that hunting be developed as an Irish tourism product - "I think we need to develop a lot more of our tourism industry around the horse equestrian sector generally - be it sport horses, be it the hunting sector, be it racing and so on. A lot of that can be integrated because often it's the same people who are interested in all the different elements. I think there's real potential there". When ICABS expressed shock and disgust at the statement, Lucinda Creighton tweeted "it already is [developed as tourism product]. There's definitely room for further promotion. Would be a huge boost for neglected rural economy." Watch a video of the speech extract. The reality is that, due to the appalling animal cruelty involved, Ireland's tourism body Failte Ireland, has long since stopped promoting hunting. On its website, the tourism body makes it clear that "Blood sports including coursing or hunting are not promoted in any Failte Ireland publications."
As a Fine Gael TD in 2010, Lucinda Creighton voted against the Bill which banned staghunting.
Kevin Humphreys, TD (Labour Party, Dublin Bay South):
In March 2013, Kevin Humphreys voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Annette Mooney (People Before Profit Alliance, Dublin Bay South):
"I abhor cruelty to animals, I'm a dog owner myself. I am against fox hunting and hare coursing" from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Eoghan Murphy (Fine Gael, Dublin Bay South):
Eoghan Murphy has not responded to enquiries from ICABS about where he stands on foxhunting and hare coursing.
In May 2011, Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture "if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Irish Greyhound Board is considering sending Irish greyhounds to China; and his views on same." In February 2013, he asked the Minister for Agriculture "the amount the State subsidy to the Irish Greyhound Board is worth; the person who oversees its spend; what it is designated for; if it is performance linked and his views on whether the allocation is value for money."
Eamon Ryan (Green Party, Dublin Bay South)
"I am firmly opposed to the current practice of fox hunting and hare coursing in the country which I feel cannot be defended on the grounds of preserving rural traditions or indeed any other conservation or rural development arguments.
In January 2012, Eamon Ryan attended an anti-coursing protest outside the Department of Agriculture in Dublin.
Signed a Eurogroup for Animals animal welfare pledge, including "I will strive to ensure that animals are recognised as sentient beings in all legislation that comes before the Parliament and strive to ensure all existing animal welfare related legislation is properly enforced..."
Eoin Tierney (Independent, Dublin Bay South):
"I am utterly opposed to all forms of cruelty. I am wholly in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing. Let these hunters chase each other. I will try to hound their brutish practices from the land." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Christy Burke (Independent, Dublin City Council)
"I am against any form of animal cruelty." from an email to ICABS, April 2014.
Joe Costello, TD (Labour, Dublin Central):
"I am opposed to all blood sports."
In January 2012, Joe Costello (Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) attended a protest against hare coursing outside the Department of Agriculture. Minister Costello stood alongside a banner calling for TDs to "Support the Bill to End Hare Coursing". Read More
"The legislation is silent on blood sports. While it refers to hunting, this concerns licences for hunting and ensuring there is not indiscriminate killing of wildlife. The two are different. One is the shooting or culling of wildlife whereas bloodsports concern a person chasing wildlife for pleasure and enjoyment. We must address the bloodsports issue in Ireland. We have touched on it from time to time but we have never dealt with it seriously, either in terms of coursing, fox hunting, stag hunting or badger baiting or hunting, nor have we addressed the considerable cruelty attached to the manner in which it is done and the way the animal is treated both in the hunt and in the killing. We hear horrific stories every season. We must recognise that the animals involved are all wild animals, foxes, stags and badgers, and are hunted, not for human food but for human pleasure. That is what we must examine...Hunting for pleasure is unacceptable and the line must be drawn that, while there is commercial hunting, fishing and culling of wildlife, there should not be commercial or other forms of bloodsports where human beings not only chase animals but kill them, which is the normal outcome of the chase. It involves a considerable amount of cruelty, does not benefit anyone and does not redound to the well-being of or a sense of respect for animals which we should have. I urge the Minister to examine this issue seriously to see whether some movement can be made." (Speaking as a Senator in 16th November 2000).
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Central):
In March 2013, Paschal Donohoe voted against 3 amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
As a candidate in the 2014 European Parliament election, she signed a Eurogroup for Animals animal welfare pledge, including "I will strive to ensure that animals are recognised as sentient beings in all legislation that comes before the Parliament and strive to ensure all existing animal welfare related legislation is properly enforced..."
Cllr Gary Gannon (Independent, Dublin City Council)
"I am fully against blood sports in all their forms and would be fully supportive of any Dublin City Council motion which called for a ban on such unnecessary cruelty. "
Jacqui Gilbourne (Renua, Dublin Central):
"I deplore animal cruelty, full stop." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Fein, Dublin Central):
In March 2013, Mary Lou McDonald voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - fox hunting, terrierwork, digging out, ferreting, badger culling and the use of animals in circus performances.
In 2007, Mary Lou McDonald signed Written Declaration 0002/2007 - "Written declaration on the EU-wide ban on bullfighting"- which aimed to get bullfighting banned in the EU.
Cormac McKay (Direct Democracy Ireland, Dublin Central)
"I support you and your group and its objectives for animal protection and cruelty prevention." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Diana O’Dwyer (Anti Austerity Alliance, Dublin Central):
"I'm opposed to bloodsports and support a ban" from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
"The Anti Austerity Alliance is fully behind animal welfare issues and I would support further animal welfare legislation." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Independent, Dublin Central):
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports is honoured to have Maureen O'Sullivan as our President. Maureen is an invaluable ally to ICABS in Dail Eireann, tabling Dail questions and making representations on an ongoing basis.
"Nobody will tell me that coursing is the sort of activity where there is no cruelty... I do not think it is doing our international reputation any good to be one of three countries that continue with live coursing...This was a golden opportunity to get rid of hare coursing which I think is very obvious the majority of people in this country totally oppose." Animal Health and Welfare Bill debate in Dail Eireann, March 27th, 2013. Watch on Youtube
"Let me refer to coursing. I could read out a catalogue of instances of coursing cruelty but I will refer to just a few pertaining to various coursing meetings. Over two days of coursing at one event, 16 hares were hit by dogs. Nine were pinned and seven died of their injuries. At another meeting, six hares were hit by muzzled dogs, six were injured and two were killed. Over another two days, ten hares were hit, two were killed, two were injured and two died overnight. At another meeting, 12 hares were hit by muzzled dogs, one was killed, four were injured and one was put down because of injuries...We know what occurs before coursing meetings. The club members go out collecting hares. Sometimes they do so outside the bounds of their licence. Netting involves supporters yelling and shouting to herd hares into a net and then into an enclosure. This, again, is cruel to hares because they are solitary creatures. The wild hare is released into the field where we know what happens. Blooding with hares, rabbits and kittens is practised by people who own greyhounds. While debating legislation before the recess, I discovered that hares can also be shot. I do not know what the poor hare ever did to Irish society to be subjected to such cruel treatment...Let me refer to fur farming. I have seen evidence of the manner in which animals are kept, breaching all animal welfare laws, even those we had before now. The practice is similar to the medieval torture chamber represented by the badger traps. A review group submitted a report some months ago but this is not being addressed in the Bill. I hope separate legislation is being planned as a consequence...
"I accept that we are not fully free of bovine TB and that control measures are necessary but such measures could be carried out in a humane way, not through the most barbaric, gruesome and inhumane practice of catching badgers in a snare. I have seen the snares; they belong to a medieval torture chamber and are not part of a modern, civilised society. The trapping is cruel and when the badger is caught, it is a sitting target for the hunter to shoot it. A consequence is that the young badgers are left to starve. There are no badgers in the Isle of Man, yet there is bovine TB there. Farmers who are against badger snaring say other measures could be used to combat TB, including strict movement controls, thorough cleansing of livestock buildings, good ventilation and double fencing on all boundaries. There were some measures of note taken in England. Movement controls, improved cattle testing and biosecurity saw a 15% reduction in bovine TB. There are similar improvements in other countries where there is no badger killing...If one culls intensively for four years, there is a net TB reduction of 12% to 16%. Therefore, 85% of the problem remains. I hope that the legislation could lead to a vaccination strategy instead of using the very cruel and barbaric practice of badger snaring. The Irish Wildlife Trust stated in a letter to The Irish Times this week that since culling began in Ireland many years ago, 90,000 badgers have been killed. However, 80,000 of the badgers were healthy. In Northern Ireland, badgers are tested in the field so that only those infected with TB are killed..." from Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed), Dail Eireann, 20 September 2012. Watch on Youtube
"I do not know what the hare has ever done to Irish society to justify the treatment meted out to it, first, as a result of many years of coursing and now by virtue of the fact that people will be able to shoot it. The Minister referred to open season which, for hares, will be five months long. However, open season for hares lasts all 12 months of the year...Let us consider what the supposedly humane practice of muzzling has done for the hare. About one month before each meeting club members go out into the countryside to collect hares in a process known as "netting". This involves a gang of supporters shouting and yelling to herd hares into nets which have been strategically placed. The hares are then put into boxes for transport to the coursing venue. These are another two instances of cruelty, but the Bill does not go into much detail on this aspect...During the training weeks hares are kept herded together in a enclosure. This adds considerably to the stress suffered by the hares which are solitary creatures and keep to themselves in the wild. They do not live together in groups. In captivity, therefore, they are very prone to disease which can spread more easily when they are kept together in an enclosure." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages, 18 July 2012. Watch on Youtube
"I wish to focus on the hunt aspect and the proposal to prohibit stag hunting with hounds in Ireland, which will apply to the Ward Union Hunt. I believe this is a humane and an enlightened initiative that is long overdue.
Do we have some romantic view of the hunt in terms of the red jackets, the men and women on horseback and, I understand these days, on quads and jeeps, with the horns blowing, the dogs baying and the so-called thrill of the chase? The words I use are animal cruelty. There are incidents of deer becoming entangled in barbed wire, drowned and chocked to death. Do we really want to see images of hunted deer covered in blood, wounded, bitten and bruised, with steaming tongues hanging out as they drop to the ground exhausted? The hunt is causing unnecessary suffering to these animals. It is a gruelling experience that can last up to and even longer than three hours.
I cite, as the late Deputy Tony Gregory did in the Dail debate of October 2007, the veterinary documents which show the injuries and fatalities. They include fractured ribs, ruptured aortic aneurysms, a deer collapsing and dying after desperately trying to escape over an 8 ft high wall. There is considerable photographic and video evidence of the cruelty, and reports in newspapers of numerous incidents of cruelty. Is it sport to terrify an animal so unnecessarily and for what?
The Ward Union Hunt states that it has implemented a wide range of health and safety measures in recent years. That is equivalent to telling a prisoner that after being tortured a doctor will be on hand to bandage the wounds. What health and safety measures can be brought in that will alleviate deliberate suffering and torture of an animal? That is a total contradiction." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010. Deputy O'Sullivan voted in favour of the bill.
"Maureen O'Sullivan, TD said one of the major regrets of the late Tony Gregory was that more hadn't been done for animal rights in his lifetime. She had always shared his views on animal rights, she said, and hoped to continue his work against coursing. 'It is absolutely vicious, I couldn't look at the video footage of coursing, how people call that a sport, I do not know,' Ms O'Sullivan said." (From a report in the Irish Times, August 14, 2009)
"Finian McGrath and Maureen O'Sullivan have told the Herald that they are determined to see stag hunting ended. Both say that blood sports are entirely wrong and should be stamped out as soon as possible..."To me it's animal cruelty. To see deer caught in barbed wire, bruised, bleeding, hurt," she told the Herald. "I don't consider it sport to terrify animals, the hounds baying. In some cases they are going after domesticated deer. They are often killed through exhaustion. It's ludicrous." Evening Herald, June 29 2010.
On 27th March 2013, Maureen O'Sullivan presented/supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
"This was a golden opportunity to get rid of hare coursing. It is very obvious that the majority of people in this country totally oppose it. I know that Deputies are annoyed by the volume of emails they receive on this matter, but this shows the extent of the support for putting a ban on coursing...Damage is being done to greyhounds, who are gentle animals. They are being deliberately blooded and trained to do something that is against their nature. We know also of the damage to hares in the way they are netted, housed and used. There is also an increasing use of rabbits [for blooding greyhounds]." Animal Health and Welfare Bill debate in Dail Eireann, March 27th, 2013. Watch on Youtube
In an April 2015 Dail question, Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture "if he will provide the number and names of active fur farms 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."
Cllr Cieran Perry (Independent, Dublin Central)
"I am fully supportive of animal rights and was previously an animal rights activist." from a reply to the National Animal Rights Association, 2016.
"I believe that the netting and coursing of wild hares is a cruel and barbaric practice that has no place in the Ireland of today. Despite the introduction of muzzling, which coursing enthusiasts reassured the public would remove the "kill" element of this so-called sport, it is clear that the coursing fraternity cannot be trusted to police their own events. It is surely now time to consign this cruel and shameful practice to the dustbin of history once and for all". From a statement issued on 03 February, 2011.
In October 2010, Cieran Perry succeeded in getting a motion passed in Dublin City Council to ban the import and sale of real fur, in the jurisdiction of Dublin City.
Cllr Eilis Ryan (The Workers' Party, Dublin City Council)
"Fully opposed to hare coursing." from a tweet to ICABS, November 2015.
Clare Daly, TD (Independent Socialist, Dublin Fingal):
"That the practice of hare coursing is being excluded from the protections of this Bill is such an absolute gaping anomaly. It's a contradiction. In essence, what we're doing is recognising that the practice itself is inherently cruel but then we are allowing it to continue. It is something that I, and a majority of Irish citizens, consistently in opinion polls believe is an outdated practice which has no part in modern Ireland...Information circulated to all Deputies which shows that a very successful drag coursing event took place negates the traditional argument that people who love greyhounds will not have a chance to exercise their dogs and allow them to compete. That argument is an absolute nonsense. We do not need hare coursing to continue for dogs to be exercised or compete in this manner. Successful drag coursing events held in Ireland prove this and negate that argument. The Minister must take this on board. Not allowing this barbarity to continue and replacing it with drag coursing would do far better for our tourism industry...We've heard an awful lot over the years to justify hare coursing - ridiculous arguments in my mind, all of which can be defeated. Nonsense like 'the hares are being looked after and they're being protected'. Let's be clear here: these animals are picked up, snatched from their environment, kept to be chased by dogs and sustain massive injuries..." Animal Health and Welfare Bill, 27 March 2013. Watch on Youtube
"The Bill acknowledges that these practices [coursing and foxhunting] are cruel and inflict pain and unnecessary suffering, yet it exempts them from the protection it rightly provides in other circumstances. This is not adequate in a civilised society and is not good enough in a Bill on animal welfare. It is certainly not good enough for hares and foxes." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, Dail Eireann, September 19th, 2012. Watch on Youtube
"My Technical Group colleague, Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, has asked me to apologise on her behalf as she is unfortunately unable to contribute to the debate. Like me, she welcomes all initiatives that promote animal welfare and looks forward to the day when coursing, fur farming, fox hunting and all such activities are banned. All these so-called sports have, at their core, deliberate and wilful cruelty to animals, including death." Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011: Second Stage, 30 June 2011.
"The Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 talks about the prohibition of terrifying or baiting an animal. It goes on to exempt hare coursing. One Bill acknowledges that hare coursing is cruel by putting in an exemption for hares. Hares are exempt from protection in one Bill and are included in this Bill to allow them to be shot, presumably over the course of the next few months, in case some of them got away or something like that...It is appropriate to say that this barbarity must stop. What did the hare ever do? We are talking about making provision for licences to allow people to shoot this unique animal - an endemic sub-species that is not found anywhere else in the world - in the open season. I am suggesting that other forms of treatment of this species, such as hare coursing activity, are relevant in this context. We have allowed this activity to continue for more than 100 years while other jurisdictions have been criminalising it...It is scandalous that this activity continues...The Irish Coursing Club has said that hares come to no harm in coursing because they are protected by the existing rules governing the sport, as the club calls it. That is completely and utterly false. It does not stand up to any scrutiny of the evidence...The Irish Wildlife Trust has suggested in one of its reports that the unsustainable taking of hares for sporting purposes could be one of the reasons the species is threatened and in decline. It is obvious that this extension of hunting licences, to allow some more hares to be shot, will pose a further threat to the species as a whole." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages, 18 July 2012. Watch on Youtube
"We in the Socialist Party oppose stag hunting and the inherent cruelty of hunting animals purely for human enjoyment. We will oppose any attempt to overturn the ban from within the Dail. We also support the banning of hare coursing and we would be in favour of legislation which aimed to do so." March 22nd, 2011.
In 2007, Councillor Clare Daly proposed a successful motion to ban the Use of Wild Animals in Circuses on land Owned by Fingal County Council. The final wording of the agreed motion was: "That Fingal County Council support the introduction of by-laws or other measures which would ensure that circuses which use wild animals are prohibited from performing in any part of the local authority area, in light of the well-documented evidence of suffering endured by the animals involved and the serious animal welfare issues raised."
On 27th March 2013, Clare Daly presented/supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Alan Farrell TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Fingal):
In March 2013, Alan Farrell voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Roslyn Fuller (Independent, Dublin Fingal):
"To my mind, 'traditional hunting' would be along the lines of shooting a deer you intend to eat. I do not object to this kind of hunting. Nor do I particularly object to shooting anything that steals your chickens, etc. But fox-hunting as a sport doesn’t seem to meet these utilitarian requirements, - if there’s anyone out there who enjoys a good dish of freshly-caught fox, they’ve been keeping it a good secret. Also, I’m not sure what part of flushing out a fox on purpose and chasing it around with a pack of hounds really qualifies as ‘hunting’. Furthermore, not to put too fine a point upon it, but it has always seemed to me that anyone who enjoys chasing a small animal around and watching it ripped to shreds has a screw loose somewhere. I wouldn’t be sorry to see this go. So if legislation banning fox-hunting were laid before me, I’d support the ban. I’m not completely opposed to wearing fur or hunting animals for fur, but fur farming (and all other kinds of farming) need to comply with humane standards, not only in the way animals are killed but also in the standard of life they enjoy..." extract from a reply to the National Animal Rights Association, 2016. https://www.facebook.com/events/1691054571143596/permalink/1691486601100393/
Terry Kelleher (Anti Austerity Alliance, Dublin Fingal):
"Complete ban. No cruelty to animals. Very strong views on this." from a text message to ICABS, February 2016.
Barry Martin (People Before Profit, Dublin Fingal):
"I would most certainly support further legislation to improve animal legislation. Anything to stop unnecessary cruelty to animals should be supported. In November at the Balbriggan/Swords local area committee meeting I supported a motion that was objecting to the use of wild animals in circuses in Fingal." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Senator Darragh O'Brien, TD (Fianna Fail, Dublin North):
According to a report in the Sunday Times (November 18th, 2007), one of the few TDs who defended the Ward Union deerhunt was Darragh O'Brien, TD.
Joe O’Brien (Green Party, Dublin Fingal):
"Yes indeed I am [in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, January 19th, 2016.
Dr James Reilly, TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Fingal):
"Figures obtained by the Irish Independent show researchers in Trinity College spent more than 368,000 Euro on live animals in only 12 months to use in tests aimed at treating disease in humans. The figure is more than double what was spent the previous year. Dogs, pigs, rabbits, mice and rats have been used in the university's medical experiments, but there is pressure from the EU to find other ways of conducting tests. The Trinity figures show the huge cost of "maintenance and welfare" during the same period, bringing the bill to 665,102 Euro. Between October 2011 and last September the university bought 15 pigs, 20,094 mice and 6,579 rats for use in its labs. The animals are tested as part of the exploration of treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and genetic disorders. The university said any research carried out on animals requires the prior licensing of the person and the project by the Minister for Health Dr James Reilly...the Irish Anti-Vivisection Society, which is campaigning for an end to the use of live animals, argues that animal experimentation 'allows the infliction of pain and suffering'."
James Reilly TD voted against the staghunt ban.
Brendan Ryan TD (Labour Party, Dublin Fingal):
In March 2013, Brendan Ryan voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
John Curran (Fianna Fail)
"I am delighted that such a significant amount of funding has been allocated to Fossett's Circus in Lucan." Fianna Fail TD John Curran after learning from Minister John O'Donoghue that the circus is to receive a massive Eur200,000 (two hundred thousand euro) under the Arts and Cultural Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II) - 27 April 2007.
As a TD in 2005, John Curran voted against the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004.
Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael, Dublin Mid West)
In December 2014, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald defended the presence of two Gardai at a hare coursing meeting in Glin. Replying to a Dail Question from Clare Daly, TD, Minister Fitzgerald stated: "The event attracted a significant number of patrons on Saturday 4 October and a larger number of patrons on Sunday 5 October. As with other events that attract a considerable crowd of people, local Garda management deemed it necessary to have Gardaí present. The duties performed by Gardaí were normal traffic duties, as performed at all local public events that attract large numbers of people and the Coursing Club will not be covering the cost of the Garda presence."
In March 2013, Frances Fitzgerald voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Cllr Paul Gogarty (Independent, South Dublin County Council)
Paul Gogarty is a former Green Party TD.
"Hare coursing involves cruelty to both hares and dogs and this has to stop," he stated. "I am not anti-greyhound racing, but an industry that knowingly engages in animal cruelty for profit is not one that should be allowed operate in such a fashion." During a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, 8th June 2006.
"If asked, the majority of people in Ireland wish to have stag hunting banned. The majority of people, including those living in rural areas, also wish to have hare coursing banned...the maths and the clout do not add up for the Green Party to ban hare coursing although we have expressed our desire to get rid of hare coursing."
Green Party spokesperson on Arts, Sport and Tourism Paul Gogarty TD has called for a ban on all hare coursing, saying that the greyhound industry is covered in a cloud of cruelty and is in urgent need of reform. According to Deputy Gogarty, drag coursing, which involves the use of a mechanical bait, could and should replace the use of live hares. "Statistics show that 75 per cent of people living in the countryside and 90 per cent of city dwellers oppose hare coursing. So why are our legislators ignoring this fact? Perhaps this is because many of our elites own greyhounds, including politicians from several parties. During today's debate a considerable number of contributors admitted to owning a greyhound; making it hard for many to take a balanced view of the industry. "Do these parliamentary colleagues condone the stress caused to hares that are captured for up to six weeks? Do they condone the deaths from stress and maulings that still occur, even with muzzles on the greyhounds? What about the illegal bloodings that still go on and the putting down of greyhounds that have outlived their economic usefulness? Is there not an element of hypocrisy involved?" Deputy Gogarty also questioned the continuation of the current high levels of funding for the dog and horse racing industries. from a statement by Paul Gogarty, Spokesperson on Arts, Sport & Tourism, Education & Science, 8th June 2006
Christopher Healy (Direct Democracy Ireland, Dublin Mid West):
"I am against blood sports." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Lorraine Hennessy (The Workers' Party, Dublin Mid West):
"I do support the banning of blood sports. It is unacceptable in this day and age. Drag Hunting is a much better alternative and more fulfilling for equine enthusiasts and it has pre-determined trails and tracks for the horse and rider. Hare coursing is barbaric and even without the kill I feel is unacceptable and causes undue stress and trauma to a helpless animal.
I have very serious concerns regarding the treatment of horses in our own constituency by Local Authorities. SDCC has spent millions putting down hundreds of horses and some of the Impound Operators they have used have been guilty of cruelty and appalling conditions. This money would be better spent on facilities and education for young people especially.
I have supported the need for equine facilities in Ballyfermot, which was successful following the introduction of Registration Of Horse's Legislation. I have also made several submissions to SDCC development plan 2016-2022, including one to provide equine facilities. Our Community have been successful in recently securing funding for a new equine facility in North Clondalkin and development will commence early this year.
Derek Keating (Fine Gael, Dublin Mid West):
In September 2012, Derek Keating TD questioned whether money paid out to animal welfare groups represents value for money. In a Dail question to the Minister for Agriculture, he asked "in view of the fact that it is reported that he grant aids animal welfare to the amount of €1.1 million every year, if he is satisfied that there is value for money and that the various organisations are providing a service that is in keeping with funding from public moneys".
Cllr Gino Kenny (People Before Profit Alliance, South Dublin County Council)
"I'm against any type of blood Sport which wantonly hurts any animal. I hope one day soon that blood sports in Britain and Ireland are a relic of the past." - www.ginokenny.com.
Anne-Marie McNally (Social Democrats, Dublin Mid West):
"Ban ban ban" from a 19th January 2016 tweet in reply to ICABS asking "Are you in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing."
Cllr Francis Timmons (Independent, South Dublin County Council)
"I fully support [an end to the licensing of hare coursing]. I am against coursing." from an email to ICABS, August 2015.
"I support a ban [on foxhunting and hare coursing] and would support and /or put a motion down calling on a ban." from an email to ICABS, September 2014.
Joanna Tuffy, TD (Labour Party, Dublin Mid West):
"Studies carried out on the Ward Union Hunt found evidence of physiological recovery within three or four days and full recovery within ten days, and two months post hunt the hunted deer were found to be in good health." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.475.0 In response, Minister Gormley stated: "I do not know what sort of information the Deputy has but one does not need to be a vet or any specialist to see that the animal in question is under severe stress. It is a domesticated animal. The vets to whom I have spoken have clearly stated that the animal is under severe stress." Deputy Tuffy voted against the ban on staghunting.
"The Labour Party opposes this legislation [ban on Ward Union deerhunt] because it is the wrong approach to maximising the protection of wildlife. It does nothing to protect wildlife but has a much more cynical motivation. It is an all-out unilateral ban on the Ward Union Hunt...People in rural communities feel under threat from this legislation and are concerned it is the thin end of the wedge."
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20100624.xml&Ex=All&Page=9
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010
Joanna Tuffy voted against the staghunt ban.
Cllr Cathleen Carney Boud (Sinn Fein, Dublin City Council)
"Yes I am in favour of a ban on blood sports" from a text message to ICABS, June 2015.
Caroline Conroy (Green Party, Dublin North West):
"I am opposed to all blood sports" from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Jimmy Dignam (Workers' Party, Dublin North West):
"I am utterly opposed to hare coursing, foxhunting and any other so-called "blood sports". Indeed, I am against any form of cruelty towards animals in the name of entertainment. I wholeheartedly support your campaign and wish you every success with the great work that you do." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Dessie Ellis TD (Sinn Fein, Dublin North West)
In March 2013, Dessie Ellis TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Cllr Andrew Keegan (People Before Profit, Dublin City Council)
"No to blood sports." from a tweet, February 2016.
"I don't support blood sports, senseless hunting, the fur trade or any cruel acts to any animal no matter how important it may be locally perceived." from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.
John Lyons (Labour Party, Dublin North West):
In March 2013, John Lyons voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Cormac McKay (Direct Democracy Ireland, Dublin North West)
"I support you and your group and its objectives for animal protection and cruelty prevention." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Roisin Shortall, TD (Social Democrats, Dublin North West):
"To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the large scale destruction of farm and other property, often running to thousands of euro, by the unauthorised use of such lands for the purposes of live hunting." (From a Dail Question tabled in 2004)
On 27th March 2013, Roisin Shortall supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Cllr Catherine Martin (Green Party, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
"Absolutely!!" in response to an ICABS tweet asking "are you in favour of a ban on cruel hare coursing and foxhunting?". 12th August 2014.
Peter Mathews (Independent [formerly Fine Gael], Dublin Rathdown):
In an April 2011 Dail Question, Peter Mathews TD asked the Minister for Agriculture "his plans to give approval to Bord na gCon to allow the Irish Greyhound Board to send Irish greyhounds to the People's Republic of China; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that China does not have a good track record regarding its treatment of animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic (Sinn Fein, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council)
"I'm 100% against fur farming. And also on animal circuses. I'm a bit reluctant to give you a commitment on the blood sports ban and the greyhound and horse racing issues. Personally my view would be sympathetic to the plight of the animals but I've been present at very interesting debates in my party at Ard Fheiseanna and I know there's some strongly held views from people in rural areas who claim city folk don't know what we're talking about. I'd love to commit but it would be disingenuous of me too. So 2 out of 4 definitely. And I'd like to support the other 2 but can't guarantee my party in government would. I will say at future Ard Fheiseanna I'll put motions in to that effect and with your direction argue the cases." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
In November 2014, Sorcha Nic Cormaic voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a "problem" and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.
Alan Shatter, TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Rathdown):
"I am totally opposed to hunting wild animals with dogs." Deputy Shatter voted AGAINST the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which banned staghunting.
Alan Shatter is a former President of the Irish Council against Blood Sports. See www.alanshatter.ie
In 2010, on RTE's 'The Week in Politics', Alan Shatter criticised the Green Party for bringing forward legislation to ban staghunting, stating that there are more important priorities.
"Would the Minister agree that many people regard hare coursing as an offensive, obscene and particularly primitive sporting activity? ... Could I urge him to consider introducing legislation to ban live hare coursing? I suggest that the Minister would agree that hare coursing is as primitive a sport as bull-fighting and cock-fighting, both of which are prohibited under our legislation." Dail Questions and Answers (Hare Coursing) - 8 June 1983.
Alex White TD (Labour Party, Dublin Rathdown):
In March 2013, Alex White voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Senator Mary White (Fianna Fail, Dublin Rathdown):
In 2012, Senator Mary White told the Irish Council Against Blood Sports that she is "strongly opposed to the cruelty and mistreatment of animals" and that she and her party will "do our best to address the issue". Senator White was responding to correspondence from ICABS in which we highlighted the cruelty of bloodsports, including digging out and terrierwork. We presented photos showing horrendous injuries sustained by Irish foxes when terriers are sent below ground to attack them. "I find the images provided disturbing and detest the vulgar activities you mentioned in the letter which go on out of public view in the secluded countryside," Senator White stated. "I feel this is an important issue and every politician and lover of animals has a responsibility to raise awareness among the public."
Cllr Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail, Dublin City Council)
"Yes [I am in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, October 2014.
Catherine Byrne, TD (Fine Gael, Dublin South Central):
In March 2013, Catherine Byrne voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Eric Byrne, TD (Labour Party, Dublin South Central):
"I am sure that nobody likes to see or indeed put animals to death. I am a hillwalker and I hate to see those guys with their guns all dressed up like Army Rangers waiting to kill the deer." From an email to ICABS, December 2010.
Joan Collins, TD (People Before Profit, Dublin South Central):
In March 2015, Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture "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"
"I will be supporting the [anti-coursing] bill that my United Left Alliance colleague, Clare Daly TD is working on." 7 February, 2012
The office of Joan Collins TD has confirmed that the Dublin South-Central Deputy "is in support of a ban on live hare coursing".
On 14 September 2011, Deputy Collins asked Minister Simon Coveney "his policy on hare coursing" and "his plans to ban this practice".
On 27th March 2013, Joan Collins supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
In May 2013, Joan Collins TD said she would boycott the National Wax Museum over a foxhunting-related discount. In a complaint to museum management, she said that with most people opposed to bloodsports, offering a 10 per cent discount when a hunt is mentioned "may backfire on the museum". "It's a promotion of a cruel bloodsport which many people, including myself, find offensive." she said. The discount was subsequently scrapped.
Cllr Maire Devine (Sinn Fein, South Dublin County Council)
"Tá [add me to the list of Sinn Fein politicians in favour of a ban on bloodsports]" from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.
Michael Gargan (Renua, Dublin South Central)
"Yes I would be in favour of a ban on fox hunting and hare coursing." from a tweet to ICABS, January 2016.
Cllr Paul Hand (Independent, Dublin City Council)
"I support a ban on both [foxhunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, December 13th 2015.
Oisín Ó Halmhain (Green Party, Dublin South Central):
"We are opposed to fox hunting & hare coursing" from a tweet to ICABS, 19th January 2016.
Aengus O Snodaigh, TD (Sinn Fein, Dublin South Central):
On 24th March 2009, Aengus O Snodaigh, TD asked the Minister for Agriculture "if in the context of his responsibility for animal welfare and the legal protection of animals from cruelty, he will introduce legislation banning all blood sports including hare coursing and fox hunting". On 10th March, 2009, he asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government "if he will introduce legislation banning all blood sports including hare coursing and fox hunting".
Cllr Brid Smith (People Before Profit Alliance, Dublin City Council)
"I am with you on blood sports. They should be banned." from a tweet to ICABS, 29 March 2014.
"I love animals and would be passionate if elected as a TD in supporting Animal Welfare and Animal Rights. I am totally opposed to fox hunting, coursing and fur farming." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Declan Burke (Independent, Dublin South West):
"Yes I am in favour of a ban on both of those [fox hunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Sean Crowe, TD (Sinn Fein, Dublin South West):
"I find [blood 'sports'] to be a loathsome practice and the argument that they are in some manner a necessary part of traditional, rural life insulting to the intelligence. I would be delighted to support any and all legislation, which restricts, or bans these 'sports'."
Cllr Anne-Marie Dermody (Fine Gael, South Dublin County)
"I don't get the hunting think and how it could be someone's pleasure!" from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.
Cllr Mick Duff (Labour Party, South Dublin County Council)
"I fully favour a complete ban on coursing and foxhunting" from a text message to ICABS, February 2015.
In 2010, Cllr Duff proposed a motion calling for a ban on the import and sale of fur which was successfully passed by South Dublin County Council. He also supported a motion to ban circuses with wild animals from public lands in South County Dublin and monitors dog pounds in the county.
Cllr Francis Duffy (Green Party, South Dublin County Council)
"I am against cruelty to animals in all contexts. I would like to see higher standards of animal welfare in farming, harsher sentences for those who commit crimes against animals in a domestic context, and an end to the farming of animals for their fur. The law as it stands is wholly inadequate in dealing with crimes against animals and, if elected [as a TD], I would support any legislation that improves standards in animal welfare." from an email to ICABS, October 2014.
Sandra Fay (Anti Austerity Alliance, Dublin South West):
"AAA oppose all cruelty against animals, including of course blood sports. I would definitely use my influence to call for a complete ban on all blood sports. It is barbaric that in the 21st century that we legally allow a sport where foxes are 'torn to pieces' at the end of hunts. I am opposed to the hunting of foxes by hounds as indeed I am opposed to live hare coursing. Circuses have long been a feature of Irish life, but the day of aniaml abuse should be long gone. A circus is no place for animals in the 21st century. I would like to work to use my influence to help put an end to circuses with animals in Ireland." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Peter Fitzpatrick (Independent, Dublin South West):
"Definitely in favour of a ban on fox hunting/hare coursing. Legislate to protect animal rights." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Sarah Holland (Sinn Fein, South Dublin County Council)
"Most definitely in favour of a ban" from a tweet to ICABS, September 2014.
Cllr Pamela Kearns (Labour Party, South Dublin County Council)
"I am against any cruelty to animals." from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.
Eamonn Maloney, TD (Labour Party, Dublin South West):
Cllr Eamonn Maloney said: "The relevant minister should have no difficulty in banning activity such as circuses with wild animals." from Cruel circuses that use wild animals are banned, Evening Herald, 14th January 2009.
Cllr Ronan McMahon (Renua, South Dublin County Council)
"Yes, I am against these cruel activities [hare coursing and fox hunting] and against cruelty to animals in general." from a text message to ICABS, December 2014.
Paul Murphy TD (Anti-Austerity Alliance / Socialist Party, Dublin South West)
The campaign against hare coursing "is a campaign that [Paul Murphy MEP] fully supports". from an email from Paul Murphy MEP's office, February 2012.
As an MEP, Paul Murphy was active on many animal welfare issues at European Level. He highlighted the plight of the Galgos in Spain, banning the fur trade, etc
"The issue of the fishing of bluefin tuna is an issue that has come up in the European Parliament. Paul Murphy MEP and the Socialist Party oppose the fishing of bluefin tuna and have always taken a position of voting for measures to end the practice of fishing this endangered species. In the next period as the budget and the Common Fisheries Policy is debated in the Parliament you can be assured of Paul Murphy's support for the protection of Bluefin tuna." From a letter to ICABS from the office of Paul Murphy MEP, 13 August 2012.
He signed a Eurogroup for Animals animal welfare pledge, including "I will strive to ensure that animals are recognised as sentient beings in all legislation that comes before the Parliament and strive to ensure all existing animal welfare related legislation is properly enforced..."
Cllr Deirdre O’Donovan (Independent, Dublin South West):
"As a dog owner and granddaughter of dairy farmers, I respect and value animals and the contribution they make to our society. It is unacceptable to me that in this day and age that some people can't find something better to do than chase a defenceless animal around." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Stephen Sinclair (Direct Democracy Ireland, Dublin South West):
"I would like to publicly state that I am completely opposed to fox hunting and hare coursing. These activities only pander to the basest aspects of the human nature of a very small minority of our citizenry. It is both cruel and disgusting and has no place in our modern society. You can count on my full support in having these pursuits banned." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Joan Summerville-Molloy (Independent, Dublin South West):
"Joan Summerville-Molloy is against animal cruelty." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Senator Katherine Zappone (Independent, Dublin South West):
"I oppose fur farming, and all blood sports such as hare coursing and fox hunting, I believe we need better legislation and more resources to enforce the existing legislation to improve animal welfare in Ireland and I will pledge my support if elected for further legislation in this area." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Joan Burton, TD (Labour Party, Dublin West):
In March 2013, Joan Burton voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
TJ Clare (Independent, Dublin West):
"I am opposed to animal cruelty and support the banning of fox hunting and coursing. We are behind other nearby countries such as England in banning fox hunting and I would support its banning. I also have concerns about animal acts in circuses. I believe that past-times and interactions with animals should be humane and would support further laws and regulations in this regard." from an email to ICABS, 1st February 2016.
Ruth Coppinger, TD (Socialist Party/AAA, Dublin West):
In a 2014 text message to ICABS, Ruth Coppinger confirmed her anti-cruelty stance, saying "I don't support [foxhunting or hare coursing]." In a Dail Question on 15th May 2015, Ruth Coppinger TD challenged Minister Heather Humphreys on why she failed to sanction two coursing clubs which breached their licence conditions. The Dublin West Socialist Party TD asked Humphreys "the reason she intervened in the case of two hare coursing clubs and did not apply any sanctions, following alleged breaches of conditions of their licences."
"If re-elected Ruth is happy to pledge that she will continue to stand for animal welfare and use whatever influence she has to improve animal welfare." from a reply to the National Animal Rights Association, 2016.
In September 2015, Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht "if she will report on investigations into breaches of hare coursing licences in the previous hare coursing season; and if she will make a statement on the matter".
Cllr Paul Donnelly (Sinn Fein, Fingal County Council)
"I am opposed to blood "sports" and I find that term offensive. I would fully support a ban on these activities." from an email to ICABS, June 2015.
Cllr David McGuinness (Independent, Fingal County Council)
"I think it's cruel [foxhunting and hare coursing]. I've no personal experiences of it but sounds like it should be illegal." from a tweet to ICABS, October 2015.
Cllr Roderic O'Gorman (Green Party, Fingal County Council)
"I have always strongly opposed blood sports, as I believe there is no moral justification for setting one animal against another for human enjoyment. If elected to Fingal County Council I will use all available powers of the local authority to oppose blood sports". Roderic O'Gorman, March 2014
In January 2012, Roderic O'Gorman, along with Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, were thanked for attending an anti-coursing protest outside the Department of Agriculture in Dublin.
Leo Varadkar (Fine Gael, Dublin West):
In March 2013, Leo Varadkar voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Leo Varadkar voted against the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which banned staghunting.
In November 2007, Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment "if he has decided to grant a licence for [the Ward Union stag hunt] and if he will make a statement on the matter."
Richard Boyd Barrett, TD (People Before Profit Alliance, Dun Laoghaire):
"The gaping omission in this Bill is that although animal cruelty is well defined, along with the need to make it illegal to engage in cruelty against animals, there are two specific opt-outs in the areas of hare coursing and fox hunting. That is unacceptable and difficult to understand. What possible justification is there for this when cruelty is so well defined as causing unnecessary suffering to animals? How can the Minister indicate that cruelty in some circumstances can be allowed, justified or excluded from the provisions of the Bill that try to establish a humane regime for the treatment of animals? The Minister simply cannot justify this exclusion and he should not do so.
"The Bill needs to be amended in this regard because hare coursing involves cruelty to animals in all the ways described by Deputy Daly and fox hunting also involves cruelty and suffering for animals. It is not something the vast majority of people in the country want or support. Outlawing this form of cruelty does not endanger traditional pursuits because, as has been well debated and discussed and I do not need to inform the Minister of it, there are humane alternatives whereby such activities can be carried on in other ways such as through drag coursing which do not require the suffering of animals. The Minister should take his lead from Northern Ireland where hare coursing has been banned and we should do the same. There should be no exemptions. Cruelty to animals is cruelty to animals and it should not be allowed. I welcome the Bill but it is important that the Government makes these amendments and removes the exclusions on hare coursing and fox hunting." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, Dail Eireann, September 19th, 2012. Watch on Youtube
On 27th March 2013, Richard Boyd Barrett supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Cormac Devlin (Fianna Fail, Dún Laoghaire):
"I have been a member of the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals since I was a child. Animal welfare is certainly a priority for me. As a county councillor, I repeatedly highlighted abuses in the dog breeding industry. I was delighted to see the introduction of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 which effectively outlawed "puppy farms". Should I be elected to Dáil Eireann, I look forward to working closely with advocacy groups like the DSPCA to improve legislation in this area, in particular with regard to Foxhunting and Hare coursing." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
"I've been a supporter of Dublin SPCA since I was a child & worked as a public rep to ban puppy farms, yes this is a priority. Yes [I am in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing]." from tweets to ICABS, 5th February 2016.
Cllr Mary Hanafin (Fianna Fail, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
As a TD in 2005, Mary Hanafin was one of 62 Fianna Fail TDs who voted against the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. In November 2014, she voted in favour of a council motion which described urban foxes as a "problem" and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.
"From WikiLeaks: How the USA got access to Ireland's secrets", Irish Independent, May 31 2011: "A leaked cable reveals how former minister and current Fianna Fail vice-president Mary Hanafin briefed the American Embassy on tense ongoing coalition negotiations. The word "PROTECT" appears beside her name in the cable, meaning her identity and/or her comments were not to be made public. Ms Hanafin last night confirmed she gave the briefing at the behest of US Ambassador Dan Rooney. According to the dispatch, Ms Hanafin made a number of derogatory comments about her Green Party coalition partners. "She said she had the impression that, if some of the Greens had their way, the Programme for Government would emphasize 'hares, stags and badgers while everyone else in the country is drowning in this economy'," Ambassador Rooney told Washington in the cable. Ms Hanafin refused to say last night if she stood over the remarks attributed to her."
Carol Hunt (Independent, Dun Laoghaire):
"Yes, I am [in favour of a ban on fox hunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Shane O'Brien (Sinn Fein, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
In November 2014, he voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a "problem" and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.
Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD (Fine Gael, Dun Laoghaire):
"I agree with you wholeheartedly on the issue of puppy farming...The Programme for Government 2011 contains a commitment to amend and strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. The main vehicle to fulfil this commitment will be the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which is a comprehensive piece of legislation providing a broad basis for regulating the related areas of animal health and welfare. Drafting of the Bill is ongoing with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and it is Minister Coveney’s intention to publish the Bill at an early date." from correspondence to the Campaign for the Abolition of Cruel Sports. October 2011.
In March 2013, Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to "the problem of a skulk of foxes in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area; the service provider or assistance that is available to persons to solve this health and safety issue" Read More
Cllr Carrie Smyth (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
"I do not like to see cruelty to animals." from an email to ICABS, April 2014.
Cllr Ossian Smyth (Green Party, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
"I am against animal cruelty." from a tweet to ICABS, 5th August 2014. In November 2014, he voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a "problem" and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.
Ciaran Cannon, TD (Fine Gael, Galway East):
In March 2013, Ciaran Cannon voted against an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on fur farming in Ireland.
Paul J Connaughton, TD (Fine Gael, Galway East):
In March 2013, Paul J Connaughton voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
"I acknowledge the need to protect and enhance the Irish horse and greyhound industries." Paul Connaughton, Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 Dáil debate, 16 January 2014.
Cllr Michael Fahy (Independent, Galway County Council)
At a meeting of Galway County Council in April 2012, Michael Fahy described a master of the Galway Blazers foxhunt who had died as "an outstanding Irish personality of our time".
Colm Keaveney (Independent [formerly Labour Party], Galway East):
"There is an economic argument for discussing the continuation of the scheme. If my figures are correct, last year we exported almost 115,000 animals abroad under live export. In terms of the cost of that scheme over a five year reference period, is it correct to state that it was a €26 million scheme? Let us suppose the average revenue secured for the cost of an animal was €1,000. That represents almost €115 million to the local economy in terms of the potential spend vis-à-vis the cost of the scheme. There is a solid economic argument we should consider in this area." Colm Keaveney TD, Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees, 25 October 2012.
Aengus Melia (Direct Democracy Ireland, Galway East):
"I am completely in favour of banning bloodsports." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Mike Cubbard (Independent, Galway City Council)
"I voted to ban animal act circuses from Galway. I am 100% against animal cruelty in all forms it unfortunately takes." from a tweet to ICABS, October 2014.
Nicola Daveron (Renua, Galway West):
"I am an animal lover and I detest any form of cruelty towards animals. I would not approve of hare coursing or fox hunting. It is a cruel sport and you will have my full support if I am elected." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Noel Grealish, TD (Independent, Galway West):
"I fully support your quest to ban live hare coursing." (September 2003)
"I will support your campaign [against terrier-work and digging out] and I will certainly write to Minister Brendan Smith." From a letter to ICABS, 18th May 2009.
Independent TD, Noel Grealish, voted in favour of the ban on stag hunting, June 2010.
On 27th March 2013, Noel Grealish supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Senator Fidelma Healy Eames (Independent - formerly Fine Gael, Galway West):
"Fine Gael Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames said that if the Green Party continues to 'run riot over rural pursuits' it will not just be politicians who lose the whip, jockeys will as well." from a RTE News report on the Green Party's Bill to ban cruel stag hunting. 30 June 2010.
Tommy Holohan (Anti Austerity Alliance, Galway West):
"Tommy is against all bloodsports and has a record of activism against them and related issues such as cruelty in circuses." from a text message to ICABS from Tommy Holohan's election campaign team, February 2016.
Sean Kyne, TD (Fine Gael, Galway West):
"To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider encouraging the take-up of drag coursing as an alternative to live hare coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter." (Dail Question, 24th September 2013)
In March 2012, Deputy Kyne asked the Agriculture Minister "if the upcoming Animal Welfare Bill will contain a provision to abolish live hare coursing in view of the demonstrable evidence of the harm, injury and distress that such a sport causes to the wildlife concerned and also in recognition that such a measure would bring Ireland into line with other developed nations including the UK, several other European nations and Australia."
"I asked the Parliamentary Question on foot of concerns expressed to me by constituents on the cruelty associated with hare coursing. These are concerns which I share and I find it most puzzling when persons harbouring such concerns are labelled as anti-rural. There is nothing 'anti-rural' in seeking the highest standards for animal welfare." from an email to ICABS, March 2012.
"To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the bounty scheme for mink is in operation or if the details are yet to be finalised as we approach the critical Spring period for wildlife and the lambing season which are affected by mink." Dail question, 14 February 2012.
In October 2011, Deputy Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan "his views on whether the granting of licences to trap hares for the purposes of coursing runs contrary to the spirit if not the letter of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2000, particularly as hares under section 23 are a protected species" and "the number of licences granted for coursing of hares in County Galway in 2011".
Derek Nolan, TD (Labour Party, Galway West):
In June 2012, Derek Nolan TD asked the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, "if the exemptions on fishing, hunting and hare coursing underlined in section 12(12) of the Animal Welfare Bill will be retained".
Senator Trevor O Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein, Galway West):
Sinn Fein Senator, Trevor O Clochartaigh, has confirmed that the party "will not be supporting the repeal of the ban on stag hunting". He said that Sinn Fein "consider stag hunting to be a bloodsport [that] causes the infliction of cruelty to animals". November 2011.
"As we know, the greyhound industry is a substantial employer. It is not yet on a par with the horseracing industry in terms of funding or employment but it is nevertheless substantial. It is concerning, however, to see that breeding is down 14% and that there is a shortage of dogs for races at the moment...The potential of the industry is considerable. It is estimated that 40,000 tourists attended greyhound races last year. However, there is a serious issue around the perception of the industry at the moment as well as serious questions around governance which must be raised. The industry has modernised and made its image more sophisticated. While attracting corporate clients and tourists, the greyhound industry must also be supported to continue to provide the facilities and recreation it always has to its usual punters at small tracks throughout the country. It is a rather Irish sport and we are unique in this regard...One of the biggest issues I have heard raised is the doping of dogs and the numbers using drugs to enhance their performance. This is dealing a death blow to the whole industry. I understand that in 2012, some 6,000 samples were taken from dogs. As of January this year, only 17 results from those tests have been published." Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Seanad debate, 19 February 2014.
Eamon O Cuiv, TD (Fianna Fail, Galway West):
"The Minister is right not to introduce a ban on hunting, fishing or coursing in the Bill. There are parts of the country where they form part of way of life and as long as it does not involve excessive cruelty, the Minister's approach in this regard is correct. I do not agree with anti-hunting lobby." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, Dail Eireann, September 19th, 2012. Watch on Youtube
In November 2012, ICABS welcomed a statement from Eamon O Cuiv TD that he does not agree with the digging out of animals or the use of terriers to attack animals that have gone to ground. The Galway West TD expressed his opposition to these cruel activities during the Committee Stage of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill on 8th November. Addressing Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, Deputy O Cuiv stated: "Will [the Minister] explain whether the use of canines for the hunting of any animal, digging out of any wild mammal gone to ground and the use of terriers to attack and extract the wild mammal above or below ground, is legally permissible? The Bill provides that unnecessary cruelty is not permitted. Is that issue covered in the Bill? I do not agree with that particular procedure but I do not have a problem with normal hunting. Nature can be quite cruel but that appears to be going too far. If the Bill is passed, will the digging out of foxes be legally permissible, given the other terms about cruelty to animals?"
"I will be outlining my views on this issue at the Committee as the debate proceeds but agree with the Minister that there should be no outright ban on hunting and coursing." from an email from Eamon O Cuiv to ICABS, 8th November 2012.
"I will certainly support the abolition of hare coursing...I do not favour hare coursing at all as I feel it is a cruel sport. You can rest assured of my stand on this matter." from a December 1992 letter to anti-coursing campaigner John Fitzgerald.
Why the change between 1992 and 2012? "Explanation is quite simple and that is that the lobby against hare coursing will not give up until they make us all into vegetarians." (from an email from Eamon O Cuiv to an ICABS supporter, September 2012)
John O'Mahony, TD (Fine Gael, Galway West):
"Mayo Fine Gael TD, John O’Mahony, has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, to provide funding for a bounty for the killing of wild mink to the National Association of Regional Game Councils. Deputy O’Mahony said he raised the issue of wild mink in Mayo with Minister Deenihan and he was delighted that the details of the bounty had been announced...Minister Deenihan has met with the National Regional Game Councils, who have been actively promoting mink control and the result of it is the bounty that has just been announced. The Minister has committed €20,000 towards the bounty scheme and it will be paid to hunters based on the number of mink killed." from a statement on John O'Mahony's website, January 17, 2012.
Ruairi O’Neill (Direct Democracy Ireland, Galway West):
"I completely oppose the hunting of Foxes and Hare coursing. As a lover of all wild animals and a person that lives in the countryside, I have great respect for these animals ability to survive in our harsh and unfriendly environment. I frequently meet foxes on the roads when I’m traveling and I always slow down for them and dip my headlights to give them the chance to make their way across the road. I’ve never hit a Fox, Rabbit, Hare or Badger, yet I see so many of these animals dead on the road. Regrettably not all road users share my love of wildlife. I can’t understand the need for people to destroy a wild animal." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Niall Ó Tuathail (Social Democrats, Galway West):
"The issues you raise are very important and complex and I am highly supportive of measures aimed at improving the welfare of animals...while I fully agree that the issues you raise are highly important, we do not yet have a defined set of policies in relation to them. We are however committed to directing research towards this issue so that we can develop defined policy positions across the range of issues you raise." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Tommy Roddy (Independent, Galway West):
"I am in favour of a ban on foxhunting/hare coursing." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr John Brassil (Fianna Fail, Kerry County Council)
On August 28 2008, the Kerryman newspaper reported that Cllr Brassil was lobbying then Environment Minister John Gormley to issue a hare coursing licence "at the earliest opportunity". A claim by Cllr Brassil in the report that "animal welfare is of primary concern to all involved in hare coursing" was branded outrageous by ICABS.
At a Kerry County Council meeting on 28th November 2011, Cllr Brassil presented the motion: "That Kerry County Council would fill the potholes on the approach road to the coursing field in Addergown, Ballyduff prior to the weekend of the 18th November, 2011"
Donal Corcoran (Renua, Kerry County):
"I am against bloodsports." from a text message to ICABS, February 2016.
Jimmy Deenihan, TD (Fine Gael, Kerry County):
"I go to the occasional coursing meeting...I totally agree with Deputy [Mattie] McGrath that local gun and coursing clubs are really very important for the preservation of wildlife in this country." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages, 18 July 2012. Watch on Youtube
"Whatever I can do for coursing while I am in this job, I will certainly do it." Jimmy Deenihan, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht at the 2012 annual hare coursing awards. Sporting Press website, 30 March 2012
"It was I who proposed muzzling greyhounds for coursing and it is working very well." (Note: muzzling is actually not "working well"; hares continue to suffer and die during coursing meetings as muzzled dogs hit the creatures and maul them into the ground)
According to a report in Kerry's Eye, Jimmy Deenihan was present at an Abbeydorney Hunt on January 27 1997
"On a personal basis, I have very little interest in coursing. On a personal basis, it would not bother me whether coursing was banned or not...the coursing fraternity in this country are very concerned about the future of the sport...many Catholic clergy are involved in hare coursing." from a letter written by Jimmy Deenihan to an animal welfare group in Hawaii in the early 1990s.
Martin Ferris, TD (Sinn Fein, Kerry County):
In November 2015, Martin Ferris TD, Cllr Robert Beasley and Cllr Dianne Nolan placed an advert in the booklet for Listowel hare coursing meeting. The advert stated: "Best of luck to Listowel Coursing Club". See 3 Sinn Fein politicians wish "best of luck" to cruel coursers.
"Some people are straightforwardly opposed to racing and coursing of greyhounds. It is not a position I or my party share..." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, Dail Eireann, September 19th, 2012. Watch on Youtube
"There is the legitimate argument that the State, the State acting on behalf of a section of the electorate or, in this case, one political party, ought not to have the right to ban activities just because someone else does not like them. There are many people who do not like this form of hunting, and they are entitled to their beliefs. However, they are not entitled to have it banned simply on that basis.
The only basis on which they would be entitled would be if it could be proved that the practise in question was either cruel, deliberately designed to kill the animal being pursued or that the animal in question was an endangered species. None of that applies as far as I can see in this instance.
There is also the argument, including on behalf of people who have no particular interest in or affection for stag hunting, that if this activity is banned the way will be open to ban other sports involving animals. That could include hare coursing, for example, and I have little doubt that if this Bill is successful that will be the next target." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010. Deputy Ferris voted AGAINST the bill. Watch on Youtube
"Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris yesterday said he did not consider hare coursing a blood sport...Mr Ferris said he was stating his position on hare coursing because there was confusion surrounding the motion passed at the last party ardfheis calling for a ban on all blood sports. He said he was supportive of 'traditional rural' pursuits such as hare coursing, and he did not consider it a blood sport as greyhounds were now muzzled." Irish Times, September 8, 2009. Note: Deputy Ferris maintains this view despite evidence provided to him by ICABS which shows that coursing is a blood sport that continues to cause horrific injuries and deaths to hares.
"Hunting, coursing, fishing and shooting... are big part of rural Ireland and a big part of what we are. They are very beneficial to the economy of rural Ireland." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.475.0 Deputy Ferris voted against the ban on staghunting.
Brian Finucane (People Before Profit)
"I am against bloodsports and animal cruelty. We need to speak and stand for those who can't." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.
Henry Gaynor (Independent, Kerry County):
"How do I feel about blood sports? I have no problem with shooting game for food. I used to be against hare coursing but I have no problem with it since the muzzling of dogs was brought in. I am against sports like fox hunting and stag hunting where the animals are hunted to the point of exhaustion just for fun. I am against circus animals as I don't see the point in it. I am against fur farming as we now have plenty of synthetic and plant based materials for making clothes. I am also against using animals for laboratory research." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Brendan Griffin TD (Fine Gael, Kerry County):
In March 2013, Brendan Griffin TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Michael Healy-Rae, TD (Independent, Kerry County):
Michael Healy-Rae, who holds certificates for three different guns, said firearms were very restricted in Ireland. They are linked to pest control and game hunting or sports, and one had to be a member of a gun club, or own land, to be granted a licence, he said...Some years ago, Mr Healy-Rae threatened to take out a licence to hunt “marauding” deer — he did not confirm yesterday if one of his licences was to shoot deer. from ‘Let rural dwellers have guns for protection’, Irish Examiner, April 26, 2013.
"What do you do in your spare time to unwind?...I also enjoy shooting but, again, those opportunities aren’t as frequent." from an interview in RSVP magazine.
"Michael Healy-Rae has applied for a permit to shoot deer in an effort to reduce the deer population. Michael already has a gun licence for his rifle that allows him to shoot pheasants and foxes." from a caption on a photo of Michael Healy-Rae pointing a rifle skywards. http://macmonagle.photoshelter.com/image/I0000hl1Feeyd1PU
Kevin Murphy (Independent, Kerry County):
"I am not in favour of bloodsports nor am I in favour of the continued use of animals in circuses and zoos, nor for cosmetic experimentation." from an email to ICABS, 1st February 2016.
Arthur Spring TD (Labour Party, Kerry County):
In March 2013, Arthur Spring TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Cllr Reada Cronin (Sinn Fein, Kildare County Council)
"I cannot understand why they're called 'sports'. I would support a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting." from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.
Bernard Durkan, TD (Fine Gael, Kildare North):
"My views on live hare coursing are fairly well known. In fact, during debates on the subject in the late Eighties and early Nineties, I spoke publicly to the effect that I was opposed to live hare coursing."
"What concerns me most about this Bill [Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which bans the Ward Union deerhunt] is the attack on rural life. In recent years we have seen the gradual erosion of the rights and entitlements of people living in rural areas...One cannot keep dogs. One cannot hunt... I do not hunt but there are many people who do." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 29 June 2010. Watch on Youtube
Deputy Durkan voted against the ban on staghunting
Cllr James Lawless (Fianna Fail, Kildare County Council)
"Totally opposed to hare coursing." from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.
Anthony Lawlor (Fine Gael, Kildare North):
"I come from an area which has two of the biggest race tracks in the country. There are two training establishments up the road and a stud farm across the road from my home. People regularly walking their greyhounds is a common sight. I am immersed in the horse and dog industries." Anthony Lawlor, Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 Dáil debate, 16 January 2014.
"Horse meat is a valuable export, in particular to continental Europe. The French market for Irish slaughtered horses is considerable...The horses to which I refer are not bred for slaughter but for the racetrack. One should consider the statistics involved: of the 7,000 thoroughbred foals born this year, only seven will win a group 1 race. Only 3,500 will make it to a racetrack, which means 3,500 thoroughbred foals will end up being slaughtered before they reach their potential. The sad part for the sector is that breeders have potential to earn much more if the stamp “Not fit for human consumption” were to be removed from the passport. Horse meat could be a valuable export for this country...I would like to see an opportunity for us to export horsemeat for human consumption on the Continent." Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill 2011, 29 September 2011.
Ashling Merriman (People Before Profit, Kildare North):
"I'm against blood sports or any kind of animal cruelty." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Catherine Murphy, TD (Social Democrats, Kildare North):
On 27th March 2013, Catherine Murphy supported an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing.
Maebh Ní Fhallúin (Green Party, Kildare North):
"The Green Party is committed to bringing in legislation to end hare coursing, fox hunting, hare hunting and mink hunting for sport. The Green Party will ensure that sufficient resources are made available to enforce existing laws against stag hunting, dog fighting, cock fighting and animal baiting. Additional regulations will be introduced where necessary to strengthen existing legislation, to increase penalties, and to make fines subject to attachment orders." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
"Thanks for your email. I support the Green Party's policy on Animal Welfare: https://greenparty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Green-Party-Animal-Welfare-Policy_June-2015_public.pdf Good luck with the campaign." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Emmet Stagg, TD (Labour Party, Kildare North):
"Emmet Stagg has confirmed he is among a number of Labour TDs who do not support a ban on stag hunting...Mr Stagg, Labour whip and TD for Kildare North, said: 'I see nothing wrong with it [stag hunting] at all. I think it's well regulated. I'm a supporter of country sports in general,' he said." (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)
This was in stark contrast to a statement made in the early 90s by Emmet Stagg in support of a rally against coursing in Balbriggan: "On behalf of myself and the Labour Party I want to express my full and unequivocal support for the banning of hare coursing in Ireland and throughout the European Community. It is a travesty that hare coursing is referred to as a 'sport'. It is a sadistic, cruel and barbarous activity and it is a discredit to our society that such activities remain legal. The vast majority of Irish people want this activity banned and the Labour Party commits itself to working with any other political party in Dail Eireann to bring about an end to hare coursing and other so-called field sports. It is imperative that the Irish Council Against Blood Sports continue their campaign and that people highlight in the media the barbarity of this activity. Only through a campaign of protest can we bring enough pressure on the Government and political parties to ban hare coursing. I wish this and future protests every possible success. Again, on behalf of the Labour Party, we will assist this campaign in every way possible."
In a March 2004 Dail Question, Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment if "he will reconsider the blanket ban on hunting on State lands and the way in which it might be modified".
In 2010, Deputy Stagg voted AGAINST the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which banned staghunting with packs of hounds.
Cllr Brendan Young (Independent, Kildare County Council)
"I support your call [for a ban on hare coursing]. Please add my name to those calling for a ban." from an email to ICABS, August 2015.
"In favour of a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting." from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.
"I fully support a ban on hare coursing and fur farming. I have also publicly supported proposals at KCC to improve animal welfare, including controls to stop sulky racing on roads, measures to improve horse rescue (rather than euthanasia) and improved facilities at the Kildare dog pound. I am happy to be publicly associated with these campaigns." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society. January 2016.
Declan Crowe (Independent, Kildare South):
"I would indeed support either of these bans [on fox hunting and hare coursing]...if elected I would be glad to forward your views at national level." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Martin Heydon, TD (Fine Gael, Kildare South):
"With regard to animal fighting, including dogfighting and cockfighting, the change in the law to association from participation is crucial. I totally oppose these activities and I am happy to hear how strongly we will act. To return to the issue of balance, we must be very careful. People can take a very strong approach to animal safety measures and try to cover all aspects such as trying to stop people who want to go fishing from taking worms out of the ground. One can go too far and unintended consequences can arise. If the means of farmers or others to protect wild animals are curtailed too much they may be left with no alternative but to use poison, which is far more indiscriminate." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, 19 September 2012.
In March 2013, Martin Heydon voted against 3 amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Suzanne McEneaney (Green Party, Kildare South):
"As the Green Party candidate, I can gladly assure you that I oppose foxhunting and hare coursing." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Sean O Fearghail TD (Fianna Fail, Kildare South):
In March 2013, Seán O Fearghaíl TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
In 2005, foxes and mink were doomed to lives of misery on fur farms following the rejection by Dail Eireann of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50. Sean O Fearghail was among the 62 Fianna Fail TDs who voted AGAINST the bill.
Mark Wall (Labour, Kildare South):
Mark Wall has not responded to an enquiry from ICABS, asking if he is in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing. He is the son of outgoing pro-hunting TD Jack Wall who made it clear in 2010 that he was "not in favour of the bill [to ban the Ward Union hunt] and stag hunting provided employment."
Charlie Flanagan, TD (Fianna Fail, Laois):
"As local TD I condemn this horrible cruelty." February 2013 tweet from Charlie Flanagan TD, in response to a Journal.ie report which outlined that "animal rights groups have condemned an attack in Co Laois on a fox which was found hanging on a gate after being shot and skinned."
Sean Fleming, TD (Fianna Fail, Laois):
"To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he intends to alter the current open season for wild female deer to begin on 1 October and end on 30 April in place of the current open season which starts on 1 November and ending on 28 February in view of the fact that female deer give birth beginning in May and are heavily pregnant from February onwards carrying a fully formed fetus and during October female deer still have dependant calves/fawns and to kill the mother at this time would result inthe death from starvation over a number of weeks for the orphaned calf/fawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter." Dail question from Sean Fleming to Jimmy Deenihan, 22 January 2013.
"To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide the list of locations in respect of the number of licences he has issued under Section 42 of the Wildlife Act which provides for the shooting of wild deer outside the designated open season and allows for night time shooting from the public road with the use of high powered lamps in view of the fact that the Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act 1851 prohibits discharge of a firearm from within 60 feet of a public road; if the shooting of wild deer in this situation is legal and even though it is highly dangerous to local communities it has the potential to promote the illegal taking of deer; the reason he continues to issue permits allowing for the culling of female deer while they still have dependant young, which results in the dependant calf/fawn suffering an horrendous death over a number of weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter." Dail question from Sean Fleming to Jimmy Deenihan, 26th October, 2011.
Sinead Moore (Green Party, Laois):
"Yes [in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing]" from a tweet to ICABS, January 19th 2016.
Brian Stanley, TD (Sinn Fein, Laois):
On 21 March 2012, Brian Stanley, TD asked the Minister for Agriculture "if minks, cats and racing horses will be included in the upcoming Animal Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter." Read the full Dail Question and Answer.
Senator John Whelan (Labour Party, Laois):
In August 2012, John Whelan condemned stag hunting as a "relic of our colonial past" and said it's "best to leave it where it is…consigned to history!!". He made the comment in response to a Journal.ie article outlining how hunters are seeking the return of the banned Ward Union staghunt. "Stag hunting does not have its roots or traditions in rural Ireland but is a throw-back to Mad King George and our colonial past," Senator Whelan stated. "It is not pursued, desired or missed by country people or rural Ireland but an elitist and cruel pursuit previously practised in one part of County Meath."
"Stag hunting has no basis in rural Irish tradition; cannot by any stretch of the imagination be seen to be representative of rural Ireland or the traditional lifestyle and activities enjoyed and cherished in rural Ireland," he added. "There is NO commitment by this Government to overturn the Ward Union Hunt ban and I for one would vigorously oppose any attempt to have stag hunting re-introduced to this country."
"Iceland resumes disputed fin whale hunt (via @thejournal_ie) http://jrnl.ie/955014 - bad form - EU should intervene and apply some pressure" Senator John Whelan in a 17th June 2013 tweet.
James Gaffney (Green Party, Limerick City):
"I'm opposed to all blood sports." from a tweet to ICABS, 19th January 2016.
Sarah Jane Hennelly (Social Democrats, Limerick City):
"Sarah Jane Hennelly, Social Democratic candidate for Limerick City, is vehemently opposed to bloodsports and supports your campaign to ban the same." from an email to ICABS from the Social Democrats Limerick Director of Elections, February 2016.
Michael Noonan TD (Fine Gael, Limerick City):
In 2014, when ICABS Director Aideen Yourell met Finance Minister Michael Noonan in the run-up to the elections, she challenged him on the government's shameful failure to ban bloodsports, including hare coursing. Minister Noonan's blunt response? "Coursing is not an issue".
In March 2013, Michael Noonan TD voted against an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on fur farming.
In 2013, Fine Gael Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said that groups promoting hare hunting and fox hunting are "entitled to a tax exemption". Responding to a Dail Question from ICABS President Maureen O'Sullivan, the Limerick TD outrageously claimed that the "ordinary meaning" of sport includes activities such as hunting and therefore hunts can benefit under Section 235 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
Kieran O'Donnell TD (Fine Gael, Limerick City):
In March 2013, Kieran O'Donnell TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Jan O'Sullivan, TD (Labour, Limerick City):
"I do not support blood sports."
Willie O'Dea, TD (Fianna Fail, Limerick City):
In October 2015, Willie O'Dea expressed his support for the ICABS campaign for a ban on cruel hare coursing. Responding to an email in which we appealed to him to push for a coursing ban, the Fianna Fail politician stated: "I am happy to support this endeavour."
In 2009, the Irish Council Against Blood Sports welcomed a statement from the office of the then Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, in which we were told that the Minister "fully supports" our campaign. (Defence Minister "fully supports" ICABS campaign)
Cllr Cian Prendiville (Anti Austerity Alliance, Limerick City and County Council)
"I support a ban on hare coursing and foxhunting" from a tweet to ICABS, September 2014.
Niall Collins, TD (Fianna Fail, Limerick County):
Niall Collins intervened on behalf of a disgruntled hunter to investigate why there was a delay in issuing him with a hunting licence. The pro-bloodsports Limerick TD considered the matter so important that he elevated it to Ministerial level. In a 22 September 2015 Dail Question aimed at Arts and Heritage Minister, Heather Humphreys, Collins asked "the reason for the delay in the issue of a deer hunting licence for a person in County Limerick; when it will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter."
"...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.
In a February 2012 Dail Question, Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht "his policy on hare coursing" and "his policy on stag hunting".
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
"Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins believed that RISE was not a mass movement of rural interests but a 'professional lobby group' led by influential people who were involved in politics or are politically engaged. 'RISE has succeeded in confusing the nation and causing upset and anxiety across all its rural pressure groups about the ban on stag hunting, even though it is clear from the Programme for Government that fox hunting, hare coursing, angling, shooting and all outdoor pursuits are all safe,' said Collins." Sunday Business Post, 4th July 2010
Alexander Cosgrave (Green Party, Limerick County):
"I personally disagree with setting animals on each other for our amusement, and the party is also not in favor of it. I also feel that the justifications used to defend it are flimsy, and not a valid reason to allow things like fox hunting or hare coursing. I feel we need a stronger set of animal protection laws as well." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Senator James Heffernan (Social Democrats, Limerick County):
James Heffernan is pro-coursing. Speaking as a Labour Party Senator in February 2014, he shamefully congratulated the owners of a greyhound used in hare coursing. During a Seanad debate on the greyhound industry, he stated: "The area I come from is steeped in the dog industry. My uncle kept dogs for many years. Neighbours and friends have a stake in the dog. Indeed the dog syndicate that my sister is involved with had a good win lately. I take this opportunity to congratulate the O'Brien family of Cush and Kilfinane who had a tremendous success in the race at Clonmel with their dog, Vale View Flyer. I am assured by all that the craic was a terror both on the way down and back. I spent many a good night at various fund-raising and other events in the refurbished dog track in Limerick." https://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2014-02-19a.202 An image showing "Vale View Flyer" chasing a hare can be viewed at http://www3.greyhound-data.com/greyhound/2021230/912/Greyhound_Vale_View_Flyer.jpg
In tweet sent to ICABS on February 20th 2016, James Heffernan stated: "While der is no fallback 4 thousands involved in industry, why would u advocate a ban on regulated coursing" https://twitter.com/jimmyheffo/status/701205920307666945
"Killorglin gettin all set for #puckfair, unique & great festival. The animal cruelty crowd wd want to get real #craic" - a tweet sent by James Heffernan on 7th August 2015 - https://twitter.com/jimmyheffo/status/629669415471181824 - in response to calls for the caging of a goat at the puck fair to be ended.
Mark Keogh (Direct Democracy Ireland, Limerick County):
"Animal cruelty is barbaric. Yes in favour of a ban on foxhunting and coursing. Drag hunting is ok...I live in the countryside and the wildlife is what makes it special for us." from February 2016 tweets.
Cllr Tom Neville (Fine Gael, Limerick County):
Tom Neville has not responded to an enquiry from ICABS, asking if he is in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing. He is the son of outgoing pro-bloodsports TD, Dan Neville, who is on record as saying that he and his family used to rear a foxhunt pack's pups and that foxhunting is "a vital industry".
Cllr Emmett O'Brien (Independent, Limerick County)
"I'm not in favour of a full ban on hare coursing or fox hunting. I am in favour of it being regulated." from a tweet to ICABS, September 2014.
"While I have some reservations about hare coursing I cannot support any ban in its current form. I disagree that it is barbaric and consider it a part of the rural community." from an email to ICABS, November 2014.
"I am not against fox hunting, hare coursing or game shooting in any fashion." from a reply to the National Animal Rights Association, 2016.
Patrick O'Donovan TD (Fine Gael, Limerick County):
In March 2013, Patrick O'Donovan voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
James Bannon, TD (Fine Gael, Longford Westmeath):
"The Fine Gael Party will strongly oppose any change to the existing licensing arrangements for stag and fox hunting. Any new regulations made by the Minister, or his Government, will be reversed." (Speaking during the Field Sport Regulation Adjournment Debate on 11 March 2010. To read the full text of the debate, Click Here).
"I emphasise that I am totally opposed to this legislation [to ban the Ward Union deerhunt], as a representative of Longford-Westmeath and as a countryman who supports the rural pursuits and unique heritage and tradition of field sports...hunting creates a sense of community in rural areas. My farm has facilitated hunting throughout my life and both my father and grandfather before him allowed the hunts to pass through our lands. I will continue to allow them do so. Hunting unites farmers and sports people for a common recreational purpose and tradition. I am deeply concerned at the appalling actions of the Minister and his wilting Green Party, which are aimed at destroying country wide field sports...I was shocked to see on the Minister's website the no-holes-barred assertion that the Green Party intended to attack coursing and fox hunting and secure a legislative ban on all blood sports...I cannot emphasise strongly enough the devastation to the sporting, economic, leisure and tourism activities of any ban on field sports, hare coursing or stag hunting. Any such move would be detrimental to the country as a whole and to the countryside in particular...Banning hunting, which is a strong tradition in rural Ireland going back centuries and over many generations, would be a threat to the rural way of life and would be strongly resisted by rural people and by people living in towns who participate in rural sports, many of whom I am delighted to welcome onto my farm every spring. " Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, Thursday, 24 June 2010
"I can assure the Minister of State that any attempt to ban hunting, which is a strong tradition in rural Ireland going back centuries and many generations, would be a threat to the rural way of life and would be strongly resisted by rural people...Deer and fox hunting have a long history in this country since the 19th century and earlier." Stated by James Bannon during Field Sport Regulation, Adjournment Debate, 11 March 2010.
Cllr Peter Burke (Fine Gael, Westmeath County Council)
Speaking to a constituent in February 2016, Peter Burke indicated that he supports foxhunting and hare coursing.
When questioned in 2014 about his position on bloodsports, Peter Burke wasn't prepared to reveal his stance. He claimed to know nothing about bloodsports, despite previously being furnished with information about the cruelty involved.
Brian Fagan (Independent, Longford Westmeath):
"I am against all types of animal cruelty" (to an ICABS representative, May 2014).
Stephanie Healy (Direct Democracy Ireland, Longford Westmeath):
"My opinion is that animal cruelty is barbaric. I love animals and it's an issue that is close to my heart. Anyone who can mistreat a helpless creature is a coward." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Donal Jackson (Independent, Longford Westmeath)
"I believe it to be unthinkable for anyone to be cruel to an animal and I certainly would never support such a situation. I consider fox hunting and hare coursing to be cruel and unjust and should be banned." from an email to ICABS, May 2014.
Manchán Magan (Green Party, Longford Westmeath):
"Do I approve of foxhunting? No. But it's been happening in my area far longer than I've been there. That should b recognised" from a tweet to ICABS, 19th January 2016.
Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael, Longford Westmeath):
Gabrielle McFadden has not responded to enquiries from ICABS about where she stands on foxhunting and hare coursing.
In November 2015, Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality "her views on the concerns of a company (details supplied) regarding delays in the processing of applications for licences to import and export non-military firearms for its hunting and fishing business" and "the average time it takes for the firearms section of her Department to process applications for import and export licences for non-military firearms; if she is satisfied that there is sufficient staff to process such applications."
Cllr Kevin "Boxer" Moran (Independent, Westmeath County Council)
"My main political aims, if elected are...Lobby for the introduction of a Dept of Agriculture supervised cull of unwanted horses." (2014 By-Election)
Dominic Parker (Anti Austerity Alliance, Longford Westmeath):
"I am a supporter like many many others within Anti Austerity Alliance of this Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/notforyourentertainment7/?fref=ts [Not For Your Entertainment - Against the exploitation of animals under the false pretence of entertainment]." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
"The AAA believes that fur farming, fox hunting, hare coursing and animal-act circuses should be outlawed. We would support any legislation that would ban these practices." Dominic Parker in a message to a constituent, February 2016.
Willie Penrose, TD (Labour, Longford Westmeath):
"I am involved with point-to-point racing, which has its base in rural Ireland. I was delighted to win one of the oldest cups in Ireland, the Barbour Cup, twice with Ballintue Road. Point-to-point racing is a community activity organised by the local hunt or committee." Willie Penrose, Horse Racing Ireland Bill 2015: Second Stage, 11 November 2015
"Longford-Westmeath TD Willie Penrose also said he would not support a ban [on the Ward Union deerhunt]. 'I support rural Ireland. I don't support the Wildlife Bill. I certainly would not support the bill. I'm a rural person with rural views,' he said." (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)
"I speak as a Deputy who is deeply in touch with rural issues and a rural way of life and I strongly oppose the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010, as proposed by the Minister, Deputy Gormley...The Bill before the House is historic in at least one respect, in that, to the best of my knowledge, it is the first occasion since the foundation of the State that a Government has brought a specific Bill before this House to outlaw a country sport...As young people we hunted rabbits in order to secure food or sell it at two shillings unskinned or half a crown skinned...We hunted foxes...One got half a crown for a fox's tail when one brought it in." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 29 June 2010. Watch on Youtube Deputy Penrose voted against the ban on staghunting
"[Minister Gormley] reserved his full contempt for Labour. "I find you absolutely shameful." It was difficult to disagree with him. The principled men and women of the Labour Party, who love to take a stand and cleave to it, blithely voting against a long-expressed opposition to animal cruelty and blood sports. No amount of shouting from Willie Penrose from Westmeath could change that, although he got a noisy round of applause from the Ward Union [hunt] people in the public gallery." Irish Times - Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"I have heard from people representing him that the Minister wants to get rid of coursing proposals implemented by a previous Minister, which were excellent. The Green Party was not satisfied and wanted to get rid of them. We say “No” to this today." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed), 29 June 2010.
Cllr Mae Sexton (Independent, Longford County Council)
"I am totally opposed to bloodsports. You have my full support for the campaign." Cllr Mae Sexton to ICABS, May 2014.
Robert Troy, TD (Fianna Fail, Longford Westmeath):
During a Dail debate in July 2012, Robert Troy said he wanted to see the ban on cruel stag hunting rescinded. "I thought the Government parties might have used the opportunity...to rescind the ban on stag hunting," he stated. Watch on Youtube See Also: Robert Troy wants stag hunt ban rescinded
Robert Troy has told ICABS that he supports hare coursing because some of his constituents are engaged in the activity.
In 2010, Cllr Troy attended a meeting in Mullingar organised by pro-blood sports group, RISE. Cllr Troy spoke in support of RISE. A RISE sticker was displayed on the door of his constituency office.
Gerry Adams (Sinn Fein, Louth):
In May 2014, Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture "the amount of funding that is provided for the animal welfare helpline; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
In a January 2015 tweet, Gerry Adams posted photos he took of foxes. In an unanswered message to him, ICABS stated: "Gerry, foxes like this are chased to exhaustion and torn apart by packs of hounds. Are you in favour of a ban on foxhunting?"
David Bradley (Independent, Louth):
"I am totally against cruelty to animals in any shape or form and regard foxhunting and hare coursing as absolutely barbaric. If I am elected as a TD – and even if I am not – I will be making my voice heard in these matters to the very best of my ability and I will be endeavouring to improve the lack of respect shown to animals in this country. I really admire you and your colleagues for defending animals who suffer so much at the hands of the human race." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Kevin Callan (Independent, Louth County Council)
At a meeting of Drogheda Borough Council in 2012, Cllr Callan proposed a motion to ban wild animal-act circuses from using public borough land.
Cllr Mark Dearey (Green Party, Louth County Council)
"You can continue to enjoy the essence of the pastime on the basis of a drag hunt where the scent is dragged, rather than releasing a wild animal - but they turn their noses up at that...The other option is the release of the deer and its recapture before the hunt - the scent remains, but it doesn't lead to the animal being cornered, and in some cases killed. It's an exercise in terrorising the poor animal." Speaking as a Senator, Sunday Business Post, 04 April 2010
Peter Fitzpatrick, TD (Fine Gael, Louth):
"The legislation is necessary to allow people to continue lawful activities. Throughout my constituency of Louth, there are strong and law-abiding gun clubs...Gun clubs in rural areas...have a strong bond with and are respectful of nature...[Shooting animals] is a traditional skilled activity that has been handed down for generations. It is important for my rural constituents to have their traditions respected and honoured." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages, 18 July 2012. Watch on Youtube
In March 2013, Peter Fitzpatrick, TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling and the use of animals in circus performances.
Senator Mary Moran (Labour Party, Louth):
"I can assure you I do not support blood sports and am happy to have my name included in the list to ban such cruel sports." from an email to ICABS, July 2015.
Gerald Nash, TD (Labour Party, Louth):
Gerald Nash is a patron of Drogheda Animal Rescue Centre. His views on blood sports are currently unknown.
Fergus O'Dowd TD (Fine Gael, Louth):
In March 2013, Fergus O'Dowd TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling and the use of animals in circus performances.
In February 2005, Fergus O'Dowd TD asked the Minister for the Environment "his views on the report of the scientific group set up to examine the issue of hunting on State lands."
Maeve Yore (Independent, Louth):
"I do not agree with cruelty of any sort to human or animal." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Dara Calleary, TD (Fianna Fail, Mayo):
"The Ward Union [stag hunt] is on the scrap metal heap..." Dail debate, 8 November 2011
Cllr Rose Conway-Walsh (Sinn Fein, Mayo County Council)
"Yes [add me to the list of Sinn Fein politicians in favour of a ban on bloodsports]" from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.
Jerry Cowley (Independent, Mayo):
As a TD in 2002, Dr Jerry Cowley stated: "I think [blood sports are] barbaric and totally unnecessary."
In a 2005 Dail vote, Jerry Cowley voted in favour of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50.
Michael Farrington (Renua, Mayo):
"Yes I am in favour of a ban [on foxhunting and hare coursing]" from a tweet to ICABS, 26th January 2016.
Enda Kenny, TD (Fine Gael, Mayo):
During a November 2014 speech in Dail Eireann, Taoiseach Enda Kenny indirectly acknowledged that foxhunting is "absolutely disgraceful". Read More. However, he refused to move to ban foxhunting or hare coursing.
"I am opposed to the practice of live hare coursing." (from an email to ICABS, July 2003)
The Fine Gael party's 2011 election manifesto stated that "Fine Gael will reverse the ban on stag hunting." Fine Gael later dismissed a suggestion that the Ward Union stag hunt would be back. A spokesperson for Enda Kenny made it clear that "there is no such commitment in the Programme for Government" and that the Taoiseach "would not resile from what's in the Programme for Government." ICABS website, 15 November 2011
A statement issued by shooting organisation, NARGC, claims that "Enda Kenny gave a solemn commitment to all the hunting associations, when he met them on April 20th 2005 in the offices of the Irish Coursing Club in Clonmel, that Fine Gael would not in government agree to the introduction of restrictions or bans on hunting." In a letter to the Fine Gael leader, ICABS queried the claim and stated that if it was accurate, it was extremely disappointing to those campaigning against animal cruelty all across Ireland. We also conveyed our sadness at the claim that a meeting took place at the offices of the Irish Coursing Club. We reminded Mr Kenny that he confirmed to us in July 2003 that he is "opposed to the practice of live hare coursing". from ICABS website, March 2007.
Tom Moran (People Before Profit, Mayo)
"As any rational human being would be, I am opposed to any cruelty to animals, whether it is hare coursing, fox hunting, stag hunting or animal testing." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Michelle Mulherin TD (Fine Gael, Mayo):
In March 2013, Michelle Mulherin TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Michelle Mulherin TD has made representations on behalf of ICABS to Minister Simon Coveney (in relation to cruel terrierwork and digging-out).
George O’Malley (Independent, Mayo):
"I'm totally against blood sports" from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Michael Ring, TD (Fine Gael, Mayo):
"I am personally against hare coursing. I am totally opposed to cruelty to animals but particularly this kind of cruelty in relation to blood sports."
Margaret Sheehan (Green Party, Mayo):
"We were the party responsible for the ban on stag hunting and I share your view that we should also ban fox hunting. On a personal level, I am an animal lover, and treasure the wildlife we have in Ireland. I am totally opposed to the cruel and unnecessary practice of fur farming! We as humans do not need fur, while mink do. Furthermore, the environmental damage to our ecosystem, resulting from the accidental release of mink into the wild is considerable. I am vehemently opposed to fox hunting, or using the death or torture of animals for any 'sport'. I don't agree with greyhound racing, as I am aware that many dogs get injuries to their feet and then they are discarded. I am opposed to horse racing too. Since I was a child I have watched with dismay as dead horses lay covered over after the Grand National. And yes, I was one of those 'cruel' mothers who never allowed their children go to the circus. I have been buying cruelty-free products since Body Shop appeared on the scene many years ago, and have real concerns about testing of drugs for people on animals. I don't believe that drugs are proved to be safe until they have been tested on humans anyway. I have been a vegetarian for 25 years now, and have brought my children up likewise." from an email to ICABS, January 2016.
Senator Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)
"I am shocked that I do not see any evidence of the Government’s promise made by Deputy Shane McEntee and Deputy Phil Hogan to repeal the ban on stag hunting. Will an amendment be tabled on Committee Stage? Fine Gael rose up the people in the RISE organisation by giving specific promises and a specific commitment that stag hunting in County Meath would be reinstated. We find now that this was just what I must say were barefaced lies told to the people by Fine Gael... I expected to see a provision for the reinstatement of stag hunting but there is nothing in the Bill to do with stag hunting. Those promises are just thrown on the bonfire of power. The Ministers, Deputies Hogan and McEntee conveniently and completely discarded the promises they had made to the people. " Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012, 4th July 2012. Watch on Youtube
The Irish Times of 15 December 2009 reported that at a pro-hunt meeting at Trim Castle Hotel, then TD Thomas Byrne said he was not comfortable with the proposed ban on carted deerhunting but that he would be supporting the government. He told hunters that Fianna Fail would not stand for any other prohibitions on hunting.
Regina Doherty TD (Fine Gael, Meath East):
In March 2013, Regina Doherty TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
In 2011, Regina Doherty told ICABS that she would raise the hare coursing licensing issue with then Minister, Jimmy Deenihan.
Ben Gilroy (Direct Democracy Ireland, Meath East)):
"I am in favour of banning all cruelty to animals or humans. I hate cruelty in any form." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Labour Party, Meath East):
A call for a voluntary ban on the shooting of curlews has come from Meath TD Dominic Hannigan. The Labour Deputy made the call as a month long hunting season for the globally threatened bird species opens on November 1st. "We have seen an almost catastrophic decline in the numbers of what was once one of Ireland’s most iconic birds. A recent survey by BirdWatch Ireland estimates the number of breeding pairs in the state may now be down to less than 200. Up to the 1970’s the native population of curlews was around 12,000 breeding pairs," said Hannigan. Deputy Hannigan said there was no single cause for of the decline of the curlew. "Numerous factors are involved including the loss of habitat due to an increase in forestry, commercial peat-cutting and windfarm developments. One thing is clear however we need to take measures to protect this native bird. One of those measures should be removing the curlew from the shooting list," Hannigan added. from Dominic Hannigan's Press Office, 14 November 2011
"In principle, we are in favour of the legislation, in that it regulates the operation of Puppy Farms – Ireland is seen as the puppy farm of Europe. But it appears that Minister Gormley is using the opportunity of the new legislation to include regulation of hunting dogs and greyhounds within the remit of the act. This has made the legislation contentious...The Minister was like a chased hare at a coursing event. He was getting attacked and questioned from all sides on this." from Dominic Hannigan's blog, February 28, 2010
We listened to the views of speakers from the Ward Union Hunt, a vet, a representative from fishermen and a representative from a Gun Club, amongst others. The key issue coming out of the meeting was the worry of many that these two pieces of legislation were just the thin edge of the wedge, and that further legislation would come in later, to ban things such as shooting, fishing and even sports such as horse-racing. I spoke in relation to this. I explained that there is no appetite amongst any politician on our side of the house to ban fishing, or ban shooting. from Dominic Hannigan's blog, October 17, 2010
Cllr Sharon Keogan (Independent, Meath County Council)
In a Meath Hunt gallery on her Facebook page, photographs show Cllr Sharon Keoghan posing next to mounted members of Meath Hunt in 2011.
Seamus McDonagh (Workers' Party, Meath East)
"I am totally and utterly opposed to all blood sports"
Helen McEntee, TD (Fine Gael, Meath East):
Helen McEntee is the daughter of the late Shane McEntee TD. She worked with Shane McEntee in Dail Eireann and at the Department of Agriculture. Shane McEntee was a pro-bloodsports TD and lobbied to try and get the ban on stag hunting reversed. He also spoke in favour of hare coursing, claiming there was no danger to the hare. Helen McEntee's personal views on blood sports are unknown at this time.
"Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee attended the launch of the Irish Greyhound Derby’s 55th anniversary celebrations in Shelbourne Park...Speaking after the event, Deputy McEntee said: ‘It was a great honour to address the Irish Greyhound Derby as it celebrates its 55th anniversary. It’s an event that otherwise would have been attended by my dad, Shane, and I am humbled to haven taken his place’...'When my father worked as Junior Minister in the Department of Agriculture, he recognised the potential in the greyhound industry, despite not having a huge amount of knowledge about it previously. He became very passionate about how he, and his Department, could make the industry even stronger . The Irish Greyhound Industry has an extremely proud history, and it is vital that we safeguard the passion and pride associated with the sector going forward. I hope to work with the Derby in the years ahead to ensure the industry gets the recognition and support it needs.'" From a Fine Gael statement, May 2013.
Seán Ó Buachalla (Green Party, Meath East)
"Yes [in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing] and the Green Party has been consistently in favour of such a ban." from a tweet to ICABS, 19th January 2016.
"I support this ban [on carted deer hunting] and condemn reported attempts to flout the law on this issue...I welcome [the government's] tacit admission that this ban is here to stay." Sean O Buachalla
Aisling O’Neill (Social Democrats, Meath East):
"Yes I would support a ban on bloodsports. Yes [in favour of a ban on Ireland's cruel fur industry]." from tweets to ICABS, February 2016.
Sarah Tyrell (Renua, Meath East):
"Yes definitely [in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Ray Butler, TD (Fine Gael, Meath West):
In March 2013, Ray Butler voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
"I have been involved in greyhound racing all my life, it is in my blood. I have trained, raced and bred greyhounds. The greyhound industry employs 10,500 people, part-time and full-time. That is why the Government provides significant funding because the industry is both a significant employer and revenue stream for the Government. In some areas greyhound racing is like the GAA club because local people have their coursing dogs and greyhounds...With regard to the drugs situation, most owners and breeders say the fines do not fit the crime and the system used on the track and at coursing meetings will have to change." Ray Butler, Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Indecon Report: Bord na gCon, 21 October 2014.
Cllr Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail, Meath West)
ICABS thanked Cllr Shane Cassells in 2010 for being one of only 3 Meath County Councillors who voted against a pro-blood sports motion. "I firmly believe that the majority of Meath people are in favour of seeing the pursuit of live deer banned...I was very pleased to speak out against the mistruths which the RISE campaign are using to try and advance their cause."
Damien English, TD (Fine Gael, Meath West):
"I shall take a few seconds to register my opposition to this Bill and my support for the Ward Union Hunt and hunts in general. I have spent all my life living beside the Meath Hunt and have watched it in operation. I watched how its members treat their dogs and run their business. I do not get a chance to follow or watch the Ward Union Hunt and its business but I know many of the people involved. They treat animals and operate in exactly the same way as the Meath Hunt. They have respect for animals and know what they are doing." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 29 June 2010. Watch on Youtube Deputy English voted against the ban on staghunting
"Shane McEntee and Damien English promised unqualified support for the Ward Union and hunting in general from any incoming government led by Fine Gael." from the Hunting Association website, 2009.
Alan Lawes (National Citizens Movement, Meath West)
"I am against any activity that is cruel to animals, including the ones you mentioned [foxhunting and hare coursing]. Yes I would be in favor [of a ban on bloodsports]." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.
Tracy McElhinney (Labour Party, Meath West):
"As a Labour Party Candidate here in Meath West I wish to outline my position in relation to animal welfare issues. In line with my party policy here is the following: "We plan to enact legislation to provide courts with new powers to protect neglected or abused animals, even before a conviction has been achieved.The responsibility for all animal health and welfare issues, including animal experimentation and enforcement of the Dog Control Acts should be vested in a single Minister. We consider it unacceptable that no Minister currently accepts responsibility for animal welfare issues affecting non- canine pets. The Labour Party wants to make it unlawful to sell or buy any product from the international trade in cat and dog fur. The Labour Party will audit the management of animal control measures carried out by local authorities. We also favour lengthening the minimum allowable time between capture and destruction of stray animals. The B.S.E. and Foot and Mouth crises have ensured the connection between animal welfare and food safety is foremost in all of our minds. The Labour Party is committed to the highest possible evidence-based standards in its animal health and welfare policies. Where gaps in the setting of standards in animal welfare exist, for instance because the scientific evidence is absent, the Labour Party will seek to develop that evidence and where it exists, such standards will be improved accordingly. The Labour Party will enact a Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill to ban fur farming of mink, fox and rabbits and will pay compensation to producers to exit the trade." (from a 2006 Labour Party document)
Seamus McMenamin (Green Party, Meath West):
"We have alway supported animal welfare. We introduced legislation on stag hunting and puppy farms." from a tweet to ICABS, 19th January 2016.
Peadar Tóibín (Sinn Fein, Meath West):
In June 2015, Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance "the revenue that would be generated from the removal of [tax] exemptions relating to horses and horse breeding."
Kate Bopp (Independent, Offaly):
Kate Bopp has expressed support for "country sports such as hunting". In a February 2016 press release headed "Offaly election candidate calls for the right to bear arms", it was stated: "Kate Bopp, election candidate for the upcoming General Election is raising the issue of Irelands’ [sic] archaic firearms legislation. “There are many issues with the current licensing system” says Mrs Bopp, but the main problem is that it is based on a “may issue” policy. There is no obligation on Garda Superintendents to issue a license even if the applicant meets all the criteria. The current approach is completely arbitrary. “This approach is wrong-footed and almost treats applicants as guilty until proven innocent”. What’s needed according to Mrs. Bopp is legislation that has a “must issue” policy ensuring that licenses are issued to all applicants unless there are valid reasons not to do so (such as mental health issues, record for violent criminal behaviour etc)...Bopp’s support of a revision of the current firearms legislation is part of her support for country sports. Country sport such as hunting, shooting and angling are a core part of rural life. Too many policies are driven by city-dwellers who think that meat is produced in factories and who are completely out of touch with nature and with reality. The pursuit of country sports has played a major part in ensuring the maintenance of valuable natural assets as well as animal species. “We're seeing more and more legislation from Dublin as well as from Brussels which show a heavy-handed approach and a ban rather than manage mindset”. Our government should work together with shooting organisations, farmer organisations and organisations such as the Countryside Alliance of Ireland to come up with a less restrictive and more coherent approach to country pursuits..." See the full statement at http://katebopp.com/2016/02/17/offaly-election-candidate-calls-for-the-right-to-bear-arms/
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Fine Gael, Offaly):
In January 2013, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture "when approval will be granted on the applications submitted for ships for the live export of cattle; the number and type of animals to be transported; the reason for the delay in granting such approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
In October 2015, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Environment "if the local authorities hold a register of puppy breeders who have been found to be in breach of legislation but who have not received a conviction for animal cruelty; if such breeders can obtain a licence to continue breeding; if puppy breeders who have received a conviction for animal cruelty are allowed to obtain a licence to continuing breeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
Barry Cowen, TD (Fianna Fail, Offaly):
"I will not be supporting any upcoming bill seeking to ban hare coursing." Barry Cowen in an email to ICABS, 1st February, 2012.
"An Taoiseach's brother Barry Cowen has been appointed to the vacant General Manager position at Mullingar Greyhound Track. Cowen takes over as Sales, Commercial and Operations Manager at Mullingar Track next Monday...Cowen is a well known and successful greyhound owner and has been involved in the ownership of many of the very speedy Gilbeyhall greyhounds." Irish Examiner Thursday, November 04, 2010.
Clara Councillor Barry Cowen has refuted claims that recently proposed bills have a 'hidden agenda' in relation to the hunting industry. Cllr Cowen has issued a statement clarifying aspects of the two recently proposed Bills, the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 and Dog Breeding Bill. "Having recently attended a public meeting organised by RISE, I feel it necessary to re-affirm the Bills' contents and refute the claims by RISE that there is some wider agenda," commented Cllr Cowen..."RISE are wrong to suggest there is some wider agenda. Minister Gormley recently confirmed the legislation will not have any implications for other country pursuits such as fox hunting, hare hunting, hare coursing or deer stalking. This bill only affects those involved in stag hunting, any suggestion otherwise by RISE is misleading and false," remarked Cllr Cowen. "This bill is about ensuring the highest standard possible for our animals. The proposed legislation will not have any implications for other country pursuits such as fox hunting, hare coursing, fishing, deer stalking. All allegations that this is a threat to these industries is false," concluded Cllr Cowen. Offaly Express, May 11, 2010
"I know the [greyhound] industry and grew up with it and realise its potential. I grew up realising its impact on rural communities and its great social benefit. It has the potential to be exported and nobody should stand in the way of the Department, the Irish Coursing Club and the Irish Greyhound Board in exploring this to the utmost." Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2010, 30th June 2011.
Christopher Fettes (Green Party, Offaly):
"I am indeed in favour of bringing an end to foxhunting and, especially, hare-coursing (just as I would like to see an end to the slaughter of animals for meat). The problem is in knowing how far to go in stopping people doing things without first convincing them that they are intensely undesirable." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Christopher Fettes is a founder member of the Irish Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, a prominent environmental campaigner, a founder of the Vegetarian Society of Ireland and a former chairman of the Anti-Vivisection Society.
Teresa Ryan-Feehan (Independent, Offaly):
"I am against fox hunting, hare coursing and any kind of sport that is cruel to animals." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Eddie Conroy (People Before Profit, Roscommon Galway):
"Yes [in favour of a ban on fox hunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
"My personal feelings are that I would ban all of the above. I would also like to see the penalties for dog fighting and neglect increased significantly. A personal bugbear is the situation where a person convicted of neglect, cruelty or illegal fighting is free to return to keeping animals once they've honoured their fine or sentence. The gardai have no obligation to monitor them. I would like to see that change." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Michael Fitzmaurice (Independent, Roscommon Galway):
"I understand the habitats directive is under review in various countries. What plans is Ireland making to review the habitats directive, given the massive problems it has caused for people living in rural Ireland? Every one of us loves wildlife and loves promoting it, but the sad reality of the habitats directive is that it puts a snipe ahead of a human being and is driving people out of rural Ireland. What submissions has the Government made to balance the weighing scales?" Michael Fitzmaurice, Dáil debate, 24 September 2015.
"To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the activities of commercial shoot operators targeting woodcock in the main, particularly in the western counties, are frequently unregulated and the need to regulate the shooting of wild animals and birds in the interest of conservation and sustainability, if she will provide a commencement date for section 36 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 which deals with the licensing and regulation of shoot operators" Dail Question, 22 September 2015
Miriam Hennessy (Green Party, Roscommon Galway):
"I am totally against any cruelty to animals and am very proud of the work we as Greens achieved for animal welfare while in government. I assure you that I will continue to work so hard for the animals. And well done for the great work you and your organisation are doing." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Senator John Kelly (Labour Party, Roscommon Galway)
In 2013, Dunnes Stores banned animal groups from fundraising at its stores. Despite complaints and protests, Dunnes Stores refused to reveal the reasons for its deplorable decision to reject groups who are working hard to try and alleviate the suffering of animals across Ireland. Labour Party Senator, John Kelly, raised the issue in Seanad Eireann on 12th February 2013 and called for answers. Watch his Senate speech at http://youtu.be/Y14Q7NYKNxU
Denis Naughten, TD (Independent, Roscommon Galway):
On 27th March 2013, Denis Naughten supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Cllr Declan Bree (Independent, Sligo Leitrim):
"I am in favour of a ban on blood sports in Ireland. In a civilised society we should not authorise such cruel acts to occur and excuse it under a banner of 'sport', which it most certainly is not by any definition." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Finbarr Filan (Renua, Sligo Leitrim):
In a February 2016 telephone conversation with ICABS, Finbarr Filan said he has hunted in the past but has not taken part in hunting for 15 years. He said he would not support a ban on foxhunting. When told about drag hunting, the humane alternative to hunting live animals, he said he would support that. He also said he had no time for the digging out of foxes.
Nigel Gallagher (People Before Profit Alliance, Sligo Leitrim):
"I am opposed to all bloodsports. I am also opposed to wild animal circuses and favour a ban on them. I am also opposed to foxhunting and hare coursing. I love animals and if elected I will always work to improve the welfare of animals in Ireland." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Cllr Des Guckian (Independent, Leitrim County Council)
"Yes, I favour a ban on both hare coursing and foxhunting" in an email to ICABS, October 2014.
Cllr Martin Kenny (Sinn Fein, Leitrim County Council)
At a June 2010 meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Kenny presented a motion in support of pro-bloodsports group, RISE: "I propose that Leitrim County Council notes the increasing level of popular support being expressed for the RISE (Rural Ireland Says Enough) campaign and shares the concerns it is highlighting, over legislation currently being proposed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD. This Council calls on the Government to listen to the concerns being expressed by those who engage in hunting..." The minutes of the meeting detail that Councillor Kenny claimed he is totally against cruelty to animals but that he went on to express opposition to legislation "if activities such as pheasant shooting, activities of the South Leitrim Harriers etc are curtailed or prevented."
Tony McLoughlin TD (Fine Gael, Sligo Leitrim):
"I couldn't look at the video [of an Irish hunter using live pigeons to train hunting dogs] as I find those videos distressing. I commend you for highlighting this issue and whatever I can do to advance your cause let me know." Tony McLoughlin TD in an email t+o ICABS, June 2013.
In March 2013, Tony McLoughlin voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Bernie O’Hara (Independent, Sligo Leitrim):
"I believe killing for sport is despicable and would love to see it banned." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Senator Susan O'Keeffe (Labour Party):
"I am not somebody who shoots, I am not a member of a gun club and I have never engaged in that activity, but I understand its importance in our traditions...If we encourage and support hunting we must do it in an appropriate way...Children who understand and appreciate the countryside can uphold the hunting laws in an appropriate way, as Senator Quinn noted, unlike other European countries where literally everything that moves is shot at. That is not the case in Ireland. If we are to have our hunting tradition, I hope and support that we would do it in an sustainable and appropriate manner. I welcome this amending legislation to ensure that those hunters who take part in hunting do so in a legal fashion." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012, 4th July 2012
John Perry, TD (Fine Gael, Sligo Leitrim):
In a statement delivered at a pro-hunt meeting in January 2008, John Perry, TD stated: "Outdoor leisure and recreational activities such as hunting, shooting and fishing are factors that are a fundamental and integral part of the rural lifestyle...I will maintain my pressure on this Government to have our rich rural heritage recognised, and indeed protected by legislation, rather than being threatened by it." Responding to a complaint from ICABS, Deputy Perry said that he continues to "feel strongly about animal welfare and conservation of our wildlife". "I note your comments and will keep them in mind for the future," he added.
This pro-hunting TD voted against the staghunt ban in June 2010.
Cllr Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail, Sligo County Council)
As a Fianna Fail TD in 2010, Eamon Scanlon voted in favour of the ban on carted deer hunting.
Siobhan Ambrose (Fianna Fail, Tipperary):
In 2013, The Nationalist newspaper reported that Siobhan Ambrose attended the hare coursing finals in Clonmel - "Borough council and county council colleague Siobhan Ambrose was an early contendor [sic] for Most Appropriately Dressed Woman at the event."
Cllr Jackie Cahill (Fianna Fail, Tipperary County Council)
"I would not support such a motion" in reply to an ICABS email asking if he would support an anti-bloodsports council motion. 12th September 2014.
Noel Coonan, TD (Fine Gael, Tipperary):
"He might allow hare coursing be shown free to air." Directed at Eamon Ryan (Minister of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources) during a Dail debate on Broadcasting Legislation - 1 June 2010.
Gearoid Fitzgibbon (Green Party, Tipperary)
"Supportive" from a 19th January 2016 tweet in reply to ICABS asking "Are you in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing."
"Bloodsports - against" from a reply to National Animal Rights Association
Tom Hayes, TD (Fine Gael, Tipperary):
In November 2013, Tom Hayes was photographed at a hare coursing meeting in Tipperary. "It reflects very poorly on the Republic of Ireland that a Minister of State deems it appropriate to be involved with a cruel bloodsport that is now illegal in all our neighbouring jurisdictions," ICABS stated in a Facebook message to him.
At the Knockgraffon coursing meet in November 2012, the owner of a winning greyhound was listed as The Coalition Syndicate. According to the Clonmel and Kilsheelan coursing club website, one of the members of this syndicate is Tipperary South Fine Gael TD, Tom Hayes.
"Local Fine Gael T.D. Tom Hayes has confirmed that 1 million Euro has been secured for the redevelopment of Clonmel Greyhound Stadium following discussions with Bord na gCon. Speaking on today’s announcement the South Tipperary Deputy said, 'This news is the culmination of months of work and I am delighted to see such a commitment being made by the IGB to Clonmel Greyhound Stadium...Given that the construction plans are already prepared I expect to see the entire project completed in time for the 2013 coursing season.'" from the Tom Hayes website, February 14th, 2012.
"At a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds, members were canvassed for their support by successful Fine Gael candidates Tom Hayes (Tipperary South) and John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny)". From the Hunting Association of Ireland website. An accompanying photo shows "Tom Hayes and John Paul Phelan at a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds" next to horses and hounds. (2011)
"I attended six coursing meetings in the past few months and I did not see one hare killed. I love what is good in rural Ireland, whether it is coursing, hunting hares, beagling or whatever, and I believe there is a strong agenda to stop those sports...I represent a constituency that is proud of its heritage in the coursing and animal welfare world." (March 2005)
"A growing number of people have an agenda to try to get sports such as coursing banned...I come from an area of the country that has a very strong tradition of coursing. Given the way those coursing meetings are guarded and protected, I would challenge any of those people opposed to those sports to come and see at first hand exactly how they are run. Too much is being written and said about those sports which are major tourism attractions, particularly hunting and fishing...Some people have an agenda to suggest to the public that those sports are cruel. The people involved in those sports are committed to animal welfare and protecting all the animals involved...I challenge them, and particularly those Members of this House, to come with me to the coursing in Clonmel and Cashel, and to the fishing in Golden. They could come to any place in my constituency and see how the people in that area look after those animals and look after their sports." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, 20 September 2012.
"The Fine Gael opposes the "anti puppy farming" Bill because John Gormley has broken his promises and turned it into an ‘anti hunt kennel’ Bill. It threatens the demise of the sport and industry of greyhound coursing and racing...They propose to ban the Ward Union Staghounds in counties Meath and Dublin. Fine Gael has opposed this ban because it is the thin end of the wedge of banning other rural sports like fox hunting, harriers, coursing, gun clubs and even angling." from Rural Ireland struggles as Fianna Fail bows to the Greens, Tom Hayes TD website, 16th April, 2010.
High-profile supporters of [coursing] in Ireland include footballer-turned-movie star Vinnie Jones, forner Irish soccer international Niall Quinn and a number of politicians, including Fine Gael TD Tom Hayes, who had a dog racing at Clonmel which he shares with former TD Liam Burke. from Hare today, gone tomorrow? Irish Independent, 7th February 2004
"A coalition of [hunting, shooting and coursing groups] have praised Mattie McGrath as well as Tom Hayes, Michael Lowry and Noel Coonan for their opposition to John Gormley's bill [which banned stag hunting in Ireland]." The Nationalist, 5th July 2010
"The greyhound and coursing industries have been getting bad press due to a lack of knowledge." Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006: Second Stage, 8 June 2006
Seamus Healy, TD (Workers and Unemployed Action Group, Tipperary):
"I ask the Minister to confirm that the Bill will not adversely affect any properly organised or regulated greyhound and coursing industries. That is an important consideration." Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage, Thursday, 20 September 2012.
Cllr. Seamus Healy said at this week's County Council meeting the fact that coursing was being discussed in the Programme for Government talks put the coursing industry in jeopardy. The national coursing meeting was very important for Clonmel, bringing in millions of Euro to the local economy during the festival week. "It is an industry that has created employment and is very important to Clonmel and South Tipperary," he told the meeting. Cllr. Healy proposed that the Council write to the Taoiseach and Fianna Fail Oireachtas members on the issue. The Nationalist, 7 October 2009. http://www.nationalist.ie/news/local/green-party-ban-on-coursing-would-cost-clonmel-16m-1-2245983
"This is a small but important industry, particularly in the area from where I come in south Tipperary in which the Clonmel track is located and which hosts the national coursing festival each year. The greyhound and coursing industries are important and give much employment and support to other industries and business in the town of Clonmel and much enjoyment and sport to the many people involved at all levels." Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006
"Cllr Seamus Healy said he had no brief for stag hunting and did not support it." Tipperary Star, 15 June 2010
Alan Kelly TD (Labour Party, Tipperary):
In March 2013, Alan Kelly TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Michael Lowry, TD (Independent, Tipperary):
"A number of TDs, including Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry, had earlier voiced concern that the Greens' ban on stag hunting and their dog breeding bill indicated a lack of empathy with country pursuits." (Sunday Business Post, 04 April 2010)
"After today's discussion with John Curran Government Chief Whip, I confirmed that I am not in a position to support this Stag Hunting Bill which threatens the future of hunting and coursing in Ireland. In advance of my discussions with the Chief Whip, I consulted with my Independent colleague Jackie Healy Rae T.D. who is equally concerned with the implications of this legislation for rural Ireland. Jackie Healy Rae is taking the same stand as myself on these two Bills. It is my firm intention to vote against the Bill and I will not be deflected from that decision...I represent North Tipperary, a land famous for its long tradition of hunting, coursing, greyhound racing." Statement from Michael Lowry TD, June 2010
Independent TD, Michael Lowry, voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.
Mattie McGrath, TD (Independent, Tipperary):
"The [hare coursing] meet at Knockgraffon was a huge success and is a further testimony to the enduring popularity of this traditional rural pursuit. What was even more impressive was the ability of the event to draw a substantial crowd of visitors from the UK who all thoroughly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the home crowd and the fine quality of hare and greyhound on display...I am sure that the Clonmel Coursing event in two weeks’ time will also be a massive success and one which will draw in significant revenue for the local economy. It is events like these that continue to thrive and draw high volumes of visitors to our localities year after year. We must do all we can to support such events and educate those opposed to them by demonstrating the high quality conditions under which the events are managed..." from a statement by Mattie McGrath TD, published on his website, 20th January 2014.
"I am totally supportive of the practice of coursing...I have a gun licence to shoot fowl...Is it not better for a young boy or girl to be outside fishing or hunting than sitting at home every day in front of computer on Facebook, Google or whatever else? At least when they return to school after the summer, their teachers can ask them about flora, fauna and mother nature, about which I learned when I went coursing as a buachaill og with the men of the parish. Coursing was good, healthy exercise and all I had was the butt of a stick to hit a ditch." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second and Subsequent Stages, 18 July 2012. Watch on Youtube
Mattie McGrath spoke in favour of hare coursing on the Pat Kenny Radio Show on October 1st 2009. You can listen to Deputy McGrath's defence of this cruel activity by downloading the show. Deputy McGrath voted against the ban on staghunting in June 2010.
"It has been noted that this stag hunt has been in existence since 1854 and reference has been made to its benefits. People who take part in rural pursuits and who get their children involved will care for animals more than any animal rights person or self-proclaimed animal rights people because they are close to nature...I know nothing about stag hunting because I do not live in that part of the country so I will not stray into it. However, I am disappointed in the way they have been vilified." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, Thursday, 24 June 2010
According to a comment left on a hunting website, Mattie McGrath "was at the national coursing meeting plying for votes this week [February 2011] on the strength of his stand against the hunting ban".
"Hopefully, the Minister will be able to find Eur 1 million or so for the track in Clonmel. It is very important. Coursing is a huge industry and is worth Eur 6 million or Eur 7 million to South Tipperary. The Clonmel event is known throughout Europe. I have been there many times. There is none of the savagery that is often spoken about." From a Dail debate on the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, 30 June 2011
Cllr Michael Smith (Fianna Fail, Tipperary County Council)
Opposition to the Government's hunting proposals was also expressed at last month's meeting of North Tipperary Co Council, where local councillors spoke of the importance of hunting in the county...Cllr Michael Smith (FF) also supported the motions, and while none of the councillors would be in favour of animal cruelty, he said there should be more dialogue between the stakeholders involved. From an article in the Nenagh Guardian, 10th July 2010.
Paudie Coffey, TD (Fine Gael, Waterford):
"Can the Minister reassure the House that in his tenure as the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, he will not bring forth any legislation that will affect the hunting of foxes, coursing or any other shooting or hunting pursuits that are traditional in Ireland? Can he give a categorical assurance today that this will be an end to it?...The Ward Union Hunt has been a responsible organisation in carrying out its pursuits and activities. It has always complied with regulations and the licensing conditions put on it. Much of its resources and those of the State were used to ensure it carried out its activities in a proper way." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Committee Stage, 2nd July 2010
"Those involved in these rural pursuits [e.g. hunting] are not breaking any law; they are only doing what previous generations did. They are concerned that the Bill will affect the viability of these pursuits, in the process threatening their existence. I can appreciate their concerns, which is why we have tabled amendments to protect an indigenous industry that dates back many generations." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9th March 2010
"I was in Clonmel [at the hare coursing finals] and I did not witness any animal cruelty that you refer to." (a tweet from Paudie Coffey to ICABS, February 13th, 2014.
Ciara Conway TD (Labour Party, Waterford):
In March 2013, Ciara Conway TD voted against an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on fur farming in Ireland.
Senator David Cullinane (Sinn Fein, Waterford):
In response to a January 2016 enquiry, David Cullinane quoted his party's animal welfare policies, including "[Sinn Fein] acknowledges the support in rural Ireland for traditional rural occupations including hunting, fishing and hare coursing, acknowledges the value that these pursuits bring to local rural economies and the potential economic damage posed by an outright ban, believes that hunting and fishing should continue to be regulated in the interests of sustainable wildlife management, believes that Irish hare coursing practices should be regulated to ensure sustainable wildlife management and to minimise unnecessary suffering to the animals involved, believes that the banning of hare coursing would drive it underground and remove current regulations which are essential to protect the animals involved. Therefore we oppose such an outright ban."
John Deasy TD (Fine Gael, Waterford):
In March 2013, John Deasy TD voted against an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on fur farming in Ireland.
Una Dunphy (People Before Profit Alliance, Waterford):
"There is broad support across PBP to ban activities that treat animal cruelty as a sport. Personally I have always been against this from a young age, having been brought coursing as a child, I formed my own opinions from first hand experience. Were camera phones available in the early 90s I could display snaps of me at the hunt protest in Tramore over a number of years, I have no problem standing up against traditions that need changing in my home town...I believe that over time, attitudes have changed and the winning over of many farmers who have been victims of hunts has helped the cause." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
John Halligan, TD (Independent, Waterford)
"I can confirm that Mr Halligan would consider blood sports to be a form of animal cruelty and as such would be in favour of any proposal to have same banned." from the office of John Halligan TD, 14th March 2012
"Mr Halligan is completely and utterly against any form of animal cruelty" (From the office of John Halligan, TD, 14th February 2012)
"I believe that hunting animals for pleasure is wrong and would be opposed to any motion that would be taking a step backwards in this regard." (From email to ICABS Supporter, February 2011)
Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party, Waterford)
"Having spent over ten years on Greenpeace ships, including the Rainbow Warrior, Grace is an internationally renowned environmentalist. She describes her activism as fighting injustice against the environment and communities, and is contesting this election to ensure that the environmental rights and concerns of her community are represented on the European stage." from the Green Party website, 2014.
Cllr Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail, Wexford County Council)
Wexford County Councillor Malcolm Byrne has expressed opposition to coursing in Ireland, saying he would "support any legislation at national level that would ban hare coursing". The Fianna Fail politician's statement came in response to an ICABS email in which we highlighted the suffering caused to hares used as live lures in coursing. In September 2010, Cllr Byrne stated: "I am personally opposed to hare coursing, which I view as cruel."
Senator Michael D’Arcy (Fine Gael, Wexford)
As a TD in 2010, Michael D’Arcy voted AGAINST the ban on carted stag hunting.
Julie Hogan (Fine Gael, Wexford)
"I absolutely am in favour of a ban [on foxhunting and hare coursing]. These outdated cruelty 'sports' [are] completely unacceptable." from a tweet to ICABS, January 2016.
Brendan Howlin TD (Labour Party, Wexford):
In March 2013, Brendan Howlin TD voted against an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling and the use of animals in circus performances.
In March 20011, Labour Party Minister, Brendan Howlin, stated on the Pat Kenny Radio Show that any move to reverse the ban on carted deer hunting "will be a matter for discussion". His statement followed a pre-election assurance from Labour leader, Eamon Gilmore, that the party accepted the ban and wouldn't support a reversal.
In 2010, Brendan Howlin TD voted AGAINST the ban on carted stag hunting.
In 2005, Brendan Howlin TD voted in favour of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50.
Paul Kehoe, TD (Fine Gael, Wexford)
Paul Kehoe voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.
"The Government Chief Whip, Minister Paul Kehoe T.D., today announced the Legislative Programme for the Spring Parliamentary session of 2012...Progress will also continue to be made in a number of other areas with the introduction of...new animal welfare laws" Paul Kehoe statement, January 11, 2012
"Taoiseach Brian Cowen reminded every TD of their responsibility. Mr McGrath and Mr O'Sullivan still abstained. A peace process began with the rebels. Their abstention provoked Fine Gael's whip Paul Kehoe to up the ante. He withdrew an agreement to keep two of his TDs back to cancel out two sick men - Sean Ardagh and Noel Treacy..." Irish Examiner Wednesday, June 30, 2010
David Lloyd (Direct Democracy Ireland, Wexford):
"I would totally agree with a ban on bloodsports as it is an outdated and cruel to any animal." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Deirdre Wadding (People Before Profit, Wexford County Council)
"I vehemently oppose all blood sports and cannot understand something as cruel as coursing being allowed to continue in any so-called civilised society." from an email to ICABS, August 2015.
"I join you in abhorring this cruel practice and will most certainly add my voice to those calling for it to be banned." from an email to ICABS, June 2015.
"I am completely and utterly opposed to hare coursing and most emphatically support a ban." from a text message to ICABS, December 2014.
Mick Wallace, TD (Independent, Wexford)
On 27th March 2013, Mick Wallace supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
In a 16th December 2014 Dail Question, Mick Wallace TD asked the Minister for Agriculture "if he will provide details of measures being taken to prevent cruelty to animals involved in hare coursing".
On 10 February 2015, Mick Wallace TD asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht "her plans to revoke hare coursing licences here, particularly in view of figures from the National Parks and Wildlife Service which indicate that during the 2013 coursing season over 100 hares required assistance, due to injuries sustained during races."
Ann Walsh (Green Party, Wexford):
"I totally abhor all blood sports and also factory farming" from a tweet to ICABS, February 2016.
Cllr Joe Behan (Independent, Wicklow County Council)
As an Independent TD in 2010, Joe Behan voted AGAINST the Bill which banned carted deer hunting.
Cllr John Brady (Sinn Fein, Wicklow County Council)
"As an animal lover and someone that works continuously on animal welfare issues, I totally oppose all forms of 'blood sports' I think the practice of killing or maiming animals for someone's enjoyment is wrong and should not be even considered as a sport." from an email to ICABS, June 2015.
Sharon Briggs (People Before Profit Alliance, Wicklow):
"As a carer of cats and a dog, I abhor cruelty to animals in any shape or form. Additionally, I wouldn't hesitate to support a ban on the elite and unecessary activities of foxhunting and hare coursing." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
"I totally oppose this kind of killing, I always have...I will never understand this kind of cruel senseless killing." in reply to Maynooth University's Animal Rights Society.
Stephen Donnelly, TD (Social Democrats, Wicklow):
On 27th March 2013, Stephen Donnelly supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw hare coursing, foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Andrew Doyle, TD (Fine Gael, Wicklow):
Fine Gael Wicklow Deputy, Andrew Doyle, said today that laws governing puppy farming are long overdue and called on the Environment Minister to introduce regulations originally promised in 2006. Deputy Doyle added that a recent raid on a ‘puppy farm’ in Co. Wicklow, where 82 dogs were found mistreated and almost a quarter had to be put down highlighted just how badly regulations are needed and just how negligent the Fianna Fáil/Green Government is in not introducing them. “How many more raids on farms that treat dogs in such a repugnant manner will it take before Fianna Fáil and the Greens act on this practice? from a media statement issued by Andrew Doyle, Sunday 22nd July 2007.
Anna Doyle (People Before Profit, Wicklow):
"I am against all animal cruelty. I totally disagree with fox hunting it serves no purpose except sport for the elite. Hares are an endangered species who are protected - the license issued for coursing are also for elite groups who are so just killing sport... I disagree with animals being used [in] circus acts. I am not an animal activist as I agree with horse racing [and] greyhound racing which needs closer regulations but not banning." from an email to ICABS, February 2016.
Anne Ferris TD (Labour Party, Wicklow):
In March 2013, Anne Ferris TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland's worst acts of cruelty to animals - foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.
Simon Harris, TD (Fine Gael, Wicklow):
Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris, has stated that he is looking forward to the introduction of the new animal welfare bill. Deputy Harris stated ‘I have spoken directly to Minister Coveney regarding several issues around animal welfare in County Wicklow. Minister Coveney has stressed that the new bill will provide for a clearer level of expectation of care for animals as well as trying to deal with some of the issues around how companies interacting with animals must act. ‘I am confident that the changes that will emerge when this bill is introduced will provide greater clarity around animal health and welfare. ‘The Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 is currently at Committee stage and the updating of this Bill is a significant positive improvement on the existing bill and should bring necessary changes for the improvement of the health and welfare of animals,’ concluded Deputy Harris. SimonHarris.ie, November 26 2012
"To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ban the docking of the tails of dogs-puppies and the removal of the dew nail, considering that both of these practices are banned by the Irish veterinarians body; if he will consider introducing such a ban in animal welfare legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter." (from a Dail Question, 3rd December 2013)
Cllr Steven Matthews (Green Party, Wicklow County Council)
"I'm against animal cruelty in any bloodsport form." from a tweet to ICABS, December 4th 2014.
Billy Timmins, TD (Renua, Wicklow)
"As a Party [Fine Gael], we are not opposed to countryside sports" (From an email to an ICABS supporter, February 2011). Billy Timmins voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.
Deputy Billy Timmins is calling for a temporary suspension of the Open Hunting Season if temperatures remain exceptionally low. The freezing weather means many animals, such as deer herds, move to low ground where food is more commonly available. However, this also leaves them an easy target for hunters. Deputy Timmins has requested that Environment Minister, John Gormley, should introduce a temporary hunting suspension until the freezing weather conditions pass. 'It would be nice if gun club members, who are responsible country sports enthusiasts, would take the initiative and act in a professional and ethical way and introduce a voluntary suspension of shooting of any wildlife, whether that be deer, wild birds, waterfowl or game birds during this period of adverse weather. It could be in advance of a statutory ban.' from Call for temporary ban on all hunting, Wicklow People, 08 December 2010.
NOTES:
Individual candidate views may differ from official party policies, to which members are expected to follow in Dail Eireann. Click on the link to view party policies in relation to animal issues.
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