Laois Gardaí issue warning over trespass and illegal hunting

Laois Offaly Gardai have warned that trespassing and illegal hunting will be treated very seriously. 

They shared a message from their colleagues in Tipperary who said they will be working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS) to combat illegal hunting. 

“We share the views and message of our colleagues in An Garda Síochána Tipperary,” Laois Offaly Gardaí said. 

Tipperary gardaí said they “would like to remind those involved in hunting, that they must have the permission of the owner or occupier of the land prior to entry onto the land for the purpose of hunting any wild bird or wild animal. Section 44 of the Wildlife Act applies. All hunting should be in compliance with the Wildlife Acts (1976 as amended) or any licence issued under those acts.” 

They said they “will be taking any breaches of the above Acts very seriously and it may end in the seizure of hunting equipment, vehicles, conviction and fines up to €5,000."  

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Gardaí urged landowners to report all incidents of trespass on their lands to their local Garda Station or to the Garda Emergency Number 999 or 112. 

“We will be working in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS) in the coming months in protecting wildlife from unlawful treatment,” they added.