Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
727. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of further breaches of the law banning stag hunting by the Ward Union Hunt; her views that various persons are openly displaying images of the stag being hunted on social media (details supplied) which is making a mockery of the legislation introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12879/15]
View answerThe Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 makes it an offence to hunt deer with two or more dogs. It is understood that since the enactment of the legislation the Ward Union Hunt have operated a “drag hunt” in order to comply with the legislation. This form of hunting involves the release of a deer to set a scent over a course. Following the recapture of the deer, the hounds and horses follow the scent. This practice is not considered to be hunting, as defined in the Wildlife Acts. Both the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and An Garda Síochána are currently investigating alleged breaches of the legislation and if there is sufficient evidence to support the alleged breaches, prosecutions will be brought under the Wildlife Acts.
