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Labour Party urged to push for ban on Ireland's cruel bloodsports
24 June 2015
ICABS is calling on the Labour Party to push for a ban on Ireland's cruel bloodsports. A party spokesperson has stated that most Labour politicians are opposed to bloodsports.
Please join us in urging Labour to push for a ban on hare coursing, foxhunting and all bloodsports.
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Urge the Labour Party to push for a ban on hare coursing, foxhunting and all bloodsports, in line with the majority view that these cruel activities are unacceptable.
The Labour Party
17 Ely Place
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 661 2615
Fax: 01 661 2640
Email: head_office@labour.ie
Website: www.labour.ie
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SAMPLE LETTER
(If you have time, please compose your own personal letter. Otherwise, feel free to send the short sample letter below)
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Dear Joan Burton
I am one of the majority of Irish citizens who want hare coursing and foxhunting outlawed. I urge you and your party to push for a ban on this deplorable animal cruelty. Yours sincerely, [Name/Location] |
Videos: Ireland's cruel bloodsports and the humane altneratives
Labour Party politicians and bloodsports
Labour Party TDs | Senators | Councillors
Tommy Broughan, TD (Labour Party, Dublin North-East ):
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.
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.
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.
Michael Conaghan, TD (Labour, Dublin South Central):
In March 2013, Michael Conaghan 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 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).
Robert Dowds, TD (Labour Party, Dublin Mid West):
As a councillor in 2006/2007, Robert Dowds joined ICABS in appealing for the installation of surveillance cameras at a Dublin park where greyhounds were blooded in broad daylight. Cllr Dowds was told by the Senior Parks Superintendent that: "We will examine the possible use of CCTV in the search for a means of trying to resolve the issue."
Eamon Gilmore, TD (Labour, Dun Laoghaire):
"I am opposed to the blood sports of badger baiting, cock fighting, dog fighting, hare coursing and stag hunting. Democratic Left strongly believes in protecting our wildlife and we are very concerned about the cruelty and impact on the various species of so-called blood sports."
Eamon Gilmore voted against the ban on staghunting. However, speaking on the Marian Finucane radio show on October 2nd 2010, Mr Gilmore stated that the party "won't reverse the decision" and that they "will stick with the ban on staghunting", if his party gets into government after the election.
In September 2007, Eamon Gilmore called for a "suspension on coursing activities in the event that the hare survey indicates either a significant national decline in hare numbers or widespread localised disappearance of the species" (See Dail Question) and also urged the then Environment Minister to "withhold the issuing of a licence in 2007 under the Wildlife Act 1976 permitting stag hunting" (See Dail Question)
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
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." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage, 2nd July 2010.
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.
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.
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."
Gerald Nash, TD (Labour Party, Louth):
Gerald Nash is a patron of Drogheda Animal Rescue Centre. His views on blood sports are currently unknown.
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"
Jan O'Sullivan, TD (Labour, Limerick City):
"I do not support blood sports."
Willie Penrose, TD (Labour, Longford Westmeath):
"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.
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.
Ruairí Quinn, TD (Labour, Dublin South East):
"I used to be a member of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports. Personally, I am against the hunting of live animals with dogs, i.e. fox hunting, live hare coursing and carted deer hunting."
Pat Rabbitte, TD (Labour, Dublin South West):
"I do not support bloodsports or hare coursing but I have no difficulty with age-old rural sports like fishing, shooting, etc within the terms prescribed by law."
Labour Party leader, Pat Rabbitte, has “sponsored” an “agreement” between two hunting organisations - the National Association of Regional Game Councils (gun clubs) and the Countryside Alliance (a UK-based hunting defence group, previously known as the British Fieldsports Society). The signing of this agreement took place in Leinster House and afterwards Mr. Rabbitte posed for photographs next to the hunting representatives. Mr. Rabbitte was quoted as stating that “it is inspiring that these two organisations are articulating a proactive vision for the future of Irish country life.” from Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte, backs hunting groups, ICABS Newsletter, June 2003
Pat Rabbitte sought licences for cruel glue traps: It has been brought to our attention that in March 2009, Labour Party TD, Pat Rabbitte, asked the Minster for the Environment if he would grant a licence to permit the use of glue traps. ICABS has expressed disappointment to Deputy Rabbitte, currently Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources. We told him that glue traps are considered one of the most cruel and inhumane traps and that they are illegal in Ireland. "Animals caught in glue traps have been known to bite off their own limbs in a bid to escape," we stated. "When their faces get stuck in the glue, they suffocate. Animals also die of starvation in these traps. Victims not only include rodents but also birds, frogs, squirrels and other small mammals." Animal Voice, August 2011
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
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.
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
Jack Wall, TD (Labour Party, Kildare South):
"Kildare South TD Jack Wall said he was not in favour of the bill [to ban the Ward Union] and stag hunting provided employment." (Irish Times, April 29, 2010). Jack Wall voted against the Bill which banned staghunting.
Senator Ivana Bacik (Labour Party, Dun Laoghaire):
"I am asking you to refuse a licence to the Ward Union deer hunt," Senator Bacik stated in a letter to Environment Minister, John Gormley. "The Irish Council Against Blood Sports are mounting a campaign against this, which I support." (October 2007)
ICABS has thanked Senator Ivana Bacik for refusing to vote against a ban on the Ward Union. The Irish Times has reported that the Labour Party senator abstained in a Seanad vote on the Wildlife Amendment Bill. 01 July 2010. Read More
Senator Terry Brennan (Labour Party):
"I welcome the Bill and wish the Minister well in its completion in the not too distant future. The hunting groups and gun clubs will welcome it also. I look forward to its introduction in the near future." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012, 4th July 2012
Senator Marie Moloney (Labour Party):
"While I am not a hunting person, nor do I claim to be, there are many who are and who were worried about the validity of their hunting licences. At least they can continue to hunt." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012, 4th July 2012
Senator Mary Moran (Labour Party):
"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.
Senator Susan O'Keeffe (Labour Party):
"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
Senator John Whelan (Labour Party):
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."
Cllr Breeda Bonner (Labour Party, South Dublin County Council)
"I am totally opposed to all forms of cruelty to animals and to Fox hunting, hare coursing and any blood sports." from an email to ICABS, April 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 Martina Genockey (Labour Party, South Dublin County Council - Tallaght South)
"Absolutely [in favour of a ban on cruel hare coursing and foxhunting]. Very strong supporter of animal rights. I'm actually a vegetarian." from a tweet to ICABS, May 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.
Cllr Mary Freehill (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
"I'm very much in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing. Hare coursing in particular is extremely cruel." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.
Cllr Alison Gilliland (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
"Yes [add me to list of Labour Party politicians in favour of a ban on bloodsports]. No animal should be hunted down or deliberately set upon in the name of sport or pleasure." from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.
Cllr Jane Horgan-Jones (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
"Yes [I am in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing]." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.
Cllr Dermot Lacey (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
"As a dog owner and animal lover generally I would be, and have been, supportive of typical animal rights issues over the years." from an email to ICABS, April 2014.
Cllr Rebecca Moynihan (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
"Yes [add me to list of Labour Party politicians in favour of a ban on bloodsports]. I'm an animal lover." from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
Cllr Richard Humphreys (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
"I am in favour of stronger legislation on animal cruelty, including prohibiting foxhunting and hare coursing." from an email to ICABS, April 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.
Cllr Deirdre Kingston (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
In November 2014, she voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a "problem" and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.
Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
"I have the greatest respect for animals and oppose all cruelty." from an email to ICABS, April 2014. In November 2014, she voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a "problem" and which called for action to be taken to deal with them. "I couldn't support this motion if it meant culling foxes or killing foxes," she said.
Cllr Peter O'Brien (Labour, 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. "The reason I can't support this motion is because the urban fox problem is not defined," he said. "We're getting bogged down in urban myths and legends without getting down to facts." He questioned the need for any action to be taken against the foxes.
Cllr Denis O Callaghan (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
"I am opposed to animal cruelty in the areas of fox-hunting and hare coursing." from an email to ICABS, April 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.
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 Brian McDonagh (Labour Party, Fingal County Council)
"Not an issue I have a strong opinion on. It would be misleading to describe me either as supporter or opponent [of bloodsports]. I am neither a supporter or opponent of either. Am opposed to badger culls which are not supported by scientific evidence. I support protection of habitat. Have never been to a hunt or a coursing meeting. I do fish. Have never shot." from tweets to ICABS, June 2015.
Cllr Duncan Smith (Labour Party, Fingal County Council)
"I abhor the practice of hare coursing and foxhunting." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.
Cllr Niall McNelis (Labour, Galway City Council)
"I support a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting" from a text message to ICABS, February 2015.
"You have my support on this [a ban on carted deer hunting] and I will be bringing this up with my party leader." (from an email to ICABS, 8th June 2010)
Cllr Anne Breen (Labour Party, Kildare County Council)
"I am very much against foxhunting and hare coursing...and would fully suport you stance." from a message to ICABS, May 2014.
Cllr Aoife Breslin (Labour Party, Kildare County Council)
"I can confirm that I am in favour of a ban on hare coursing and foxhunting." from a text message to ICABS, February 2015.
Cllr Kevin Byrne (Labour Party, Kildare County Council)
"I am completely against animal cruelty in any form." from an email to ICABS, April 2014.
Cllr Noel Tuohy (Labour Party, Laois County Council)
"I would be totally opposed [to fox hunting and hare coursing]" from a text to ICABS, July 2015.
Limerick City and County Council
Cllr Joe Leddin (Labour Party, Limerick City and County Council)
"Totally opposed to both [foxhunting and hare coursing]" from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.
Cllr Elena Secas (Labour Party, Limerick City and County Council)
"I think best way to lower incidences of animal cruelty & prevent it from happening is by highlighting it through the media. This will be a way of educating and explaining why certain practices are not acceptable in our modern and developed society." from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.
Cllr Michael Dollard (Labour Party, Westmeath County Council)
Cllr Dollard spoke in favour of bloodsports lobby group, RISE at a Mullingar meeting in 2010.
Cllr Johnny Penrose (Labour Party, Westmeath County Council)
In 2010, Cllr Penrose attended a Mullingar meeting of bloodsports lobby group, RISE.
Cllr Robert Ireton (Labour Party, Wexford County Council)
"My views on hare coursing is that it should be banned. Any opportunity I get to voice my opinion on this, my reply is always the same and I have spoken about this on many occasions." (From an email to ICABS, 5th November 2013)
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