Kildare Gardaí stamping down on illegal hunting of wild animals with large Garda operation underway over next few weeks

Kildare Gardaí are stamping down on the illegal hunting of wild animals with a major campaign ongoing until February.

92 people received training in tackling wildlife crime at a conference in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, last Friday.

Supt Martin Walker, based in Kildare town, slammed people who are poaching on farmers land around Co Kildare and Wicklow 'as if they have a God given right.'

He is concerned about the high levels of poaching in the Athy area, especially involving hares.  According to the Supt there is a significant level of deer hunting in Co Wicklow.

Last Friday night, Supt Walker headed a major operation for up to five hours in a bid to tackle deer hunting.

Gardaí spent up to five hours over Friday night in areas around Co Wicklow.

Three youths were cautioned who were found with hounds.

No arrests were made. Meanwhile the clampdown on illegal hunting continues, with more training conferences planned.