Sadness at death of "true friend of the animals" councillor, Pat Kavanagh
17 December 2015

ICABS is shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely death of Wicklow Councillor Pat Kavanagh. An independent member of Wicklow County Council, Pat was a true friend of the animals and a highly regarded ally to animal rights campaigners. She was a founding member of Chance Animal Advocacy and a supporter of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports, Animal Rights Action Network and other animal groups.

She spoke out strongly against all forms of animal cruelty, including foxhunting and hare coursing. In 2014, she stated "I am COMPLETELY opposed to blood sports - cruel, barbaric, inhuman".

A statement on her website made clear her commitment to helping animals. She wrote: "I have a huge interest in Animal Welfare - I challenged the Council cull of 63 horses in Ballyguile and will continue to seek out a no-cull solution to the equine crisis in Ireland. I have been a member and supporter of 'Chance', Wicklow Dog Pound Lobby & Rescue group since its inception. I was responsible for bringing in the Wicklow Town ban on circuses which use wild animals from performing or advertising on public lands. I am a member of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports - www.banbloodsports.com"

As a Wicklow Town Councillor in 2013, she wrote to tell us "you can be assured that you have my full support."

In 2011, as the then Deputy Co-Ordinator of the Fis Nua political party, Cllr Kavanagh succeeded in getting the following motion passed at a party convention: "We denounce all forms of animal cruelty and terrorisation, and hunting animals for sport."

Pat stood out as one of the most dedicated animal advocates in Irish politics. The animals have lost a kind-hearted and compassionate friend. She will be greatly missed.

Our sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis