Northern Ireland

Councillor Malachy Quinn urges 'zero tolerance' to hunting after mutilated Irish hares' remains found in Co Tyrone

 Councillor Malachy Quinn with the remains of two mutilated Irish hares
 Councillor Malachy Quinn with the remains of two mutilated Irish hares  Councillor Malachy Quinn with the remains of two mutilated Irish hares

A COUNCILLOR from Mid Ulster has called for "zero tolerance" towards hunting with dogs after the mutilated carcases of Irish hares were discovered near the western shores of Lough Neagh.

Malachy Quinn says he was alerted by local people to the remains of at least two animals at Derrylaughan and Derrytesk outside Coalisland.

The SDLP representative said it was believed those responsible for hunting the hares with lurchers were from outside the area.

According to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's Wildlife Law and You document, Irish hares are classified as 'game' and therefore are only protected during the 'closed season', when they are breeding.

It is also illegal to hunt them on Sundays or at night but between August and the end of January hares may be hunted using firearms or dogs, although competitive coursing of hares is now illegal in Northern Ireland.

However, Mr Quinn said described what had occurred as a "blood lust that had nothing whatsoever to do with sport".

"What I witnessed was the aftermath of barbaric behaviour that cannot be passed off as a traditional country pursuit," he said.

"The people responsible need to to know that this is unacceptable in a civilised society."

The councillor called on the public to be alert to illegal activity and to report any incidents in the closed season to the PSNI.

"The Irish hare has a special place in Irish culture and folklore, hunting in this way with dogs is a blood lust that had nothing whatsoever to do with sport," he said.

"We need a change of mindset and a zero tolerance towards this type of activity."

The USPCA urged the public as to be vigilant of wildlife crime in the countryside during the seasonal period.

Earlier this month, a bid by Alliance MLA John Blair to completely ban hunting with dogs failed to get the support of the assembly.

The private member's bill was defeated by 45 votes to 38, with Sinn Féin, some DUP MLAs and the TUV leader Jim Allister voting against it.