Tipperary authorities begin to crack down on illegal hare hunting and trespassing

Authorities in Tipperary, in collaboration with neighboring Clare, have launched a coordinated effort to combat illegal hare hunting and killing.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One last Monday, David Lyons, District Conservation Officer for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, explained that groups of men, often from urban areas, are trespassing onto private lands in rural communities with dogs to hunt hares without permission.

"This illegal activity not only causes immense suffering to the animals but also creates a threatening and intimidating atmosphere for landowners and residents," he stated.

Mr. Lyons described the phenomenon as being driven by social media, with participants engaging in gambling and boasting.

"They record videos of their dogs capturing hares and share the footage, showcasing the deaths of the hares. Often, they line up multiple hare carcasses as a way to brag to others involved in similar activities," he said.

In response, Gardaí and Tipperary County Council have introduced targeted checkpoints in areas experiencing increased hunting activity.

"We’ve held successful briefings with Gardaí to enhance enforcement efforts. This has resulted in prosecutions and the seizure of vehicles, dogs, and even thermal imaging equipment, which hunters use to locate animals," Mr. Lyons reported.

Although there has been a decline in cases in some areas, Mr. Lyons noted that illegal hunting remains a national issue, with high levels of activity reported in other parts of the country.

He urged Tipperary residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity, such as vehicles carrying multiple greyhound or lurcher-type dogs.

"If you notice groups of men entering lands with dogs, please contact your local Garda station immediately," he advised. He also encouraged people to avoid confrontation, instead noting vehicle registration numbers and providing descriptions of those involved.