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Meath deer hunt report under investigation
25 June 2014
The Department of Arts and Heritage says it is investigating a report that a deer was hunted across the Meath countryside in apparent breach of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010.
Responding to a 19th June Dail Question from Maureen O'Sullivan TD, Minister Jimmy Deenihan stated: "My Department is aware of the article in question and the matter is under investigation."
The article, in the latest edition of Irish Countrysports magazine, outlines that during a hunt in Curragha, Co. Meath last December, the Dunshaughlin-based Ward Union hunt pursued a deer with a pack of hounds.
The report states: "An outlier [a deer left out from a previous hunt] was known to be in the Kilbrew area and was put afoot at Andy Johnston’s from where he moved to Gargan’s and on through to Garry Burke’s at Frankstown. This hunt had been in a big circle and this proved to be a very unenterprising customer who entered Garry Burke’s plantation, briefly came out again and was then lost...Michael Delaney had a second outlier on his property and [Ward Union huntsman] Pat Coyle went looking for him. After a slow start, hounds pushed him on towards Cabin Hill before he took them back across Brackenstown Road leading towards Dunshaughlin. From here he performed a large circle before again heading towards Dunshaughlin..."
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports has also called for a Garda investigation into what appears to be a breach of the legislation which makes it clear that "a person who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence."
ACTION ALERT
According to the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010, "a person who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence." If you reside in the area where the Ward Union operates, please familiarise yourself with the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010 and report any breaches to the Gardai.
For the phone numbers of Garda stations, please visit: http://www.garda.ie/Stations/Default.aspx
Banned: Deer hunting with hounds
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