Lamping with lurchers happening in parts of Offaly

Lamping hares with lurchers is taking place in some parts of Offaly including Rath. At a recent Offaly Joint Policing Committee meeting, member Seamus Rourke said it seems to happen where there is a lot of bog land and open fields.

''They are very aggressive people when they are approached so we just need guidance on that,''he said.

Inspector Alan Kerin said he is fully aware of the problem at Rath and he is hopeful of a prosecution in the near future. He said he has been sent a lot of information and is putting together a file at the moment.

''We are aware of Lough boora and Boora in general. I would be surprised if there is not some sort of crossover. We have spoken to some of the parties and have put them on a final warning as well. If we can get prosecution up and running it will send a fairly good message out. We did have a successful prosecution in Rath previously and we will do it again,'' he said.

Lamping is the practice of shining strong lamps on animals so that they can be shot or have dogs set on them.

It is used by hunters to target animals such as foxes, rabbits and hares.