Gardaí seize vehicles and equipment in Louth hare hunting crackdown

Gardaí have seized vehicles and equipment in Louth in recent weeks as part of efforts to stop illegal hare hunting.

Louth Gardaí - along with officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service with the assistance of local landowners - have carried out dedicated patrols in relation to illegal hunting, particularly in relation to illegal hare hunting.

The Irish hare is a protected species under the Wildlife Act; unlicensed, hunting, trapping or killing hares is illegal. Gardai say that illegal hare hunting is often associated with other criminal activities, including trespass, and criminal damage to private property.  

A number of people were intercepted during the operation and vehicles and suspected illegal equipment were seized. Criminal investigations are now ongoing.

Gardai have said that : “An Garda Síochána would like to thank both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local landowners for their assistance.

Read Next: Calling all aspiring actors – Castle Players launch six-week drama workshops in Dundalk

“Members of the public and landowners are urged to report any suspected illegal hunting by contacting your local Garda Station, your local NPWS Office or dialling 999 or 112.  NPWS can be contacted on WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie”