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Hunting cruelty highlighted to Cork SPCA
14 August 2012
ICABS has highlighted the cruelty of foxhunting and mink hunting to the Cork SPCA, following revelations that two of its committee members are "fox and mink hunting enthusiasts".
According to a report in the Evening Echo newspaper:
"Cork SPCA Committee member Brian McDonagh and public relations officer Chris Connolly used to also go otter hunting before it became illegal in 1990. Mr McDonagh still goes fox hunting with beagles and hounds, and mink hunting with hounds...Mr Connolly insisted there was nothing hypocritical about being involved in an animal welfare group — and being a hunter. He said: 'I had to give up hunting five years ago for health reasons but I am proud of my past. I hunted for 30 years and used to keep hounds in my garden where I had 70 kennels. I would have gone otter hunting until it was changed to mink hunting.'" Read the full report at www.eveningecho.ie
In a comment posted on the Cork SPCA's Facebook page, ICABS pointed to the cruelty of mink hunting and the fact that mink caught by the pack of hounds are ripped apart. Also posted was a link to the ICABS "Ban Foxhunting" video.
Cork SPCA is not affiliated to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ISPCA's Policy on Wild Animals states that "the ISPCA is, in principle, opposed to the taking or killing of wild animals, or the infliction of any suffering on them. This includes the hunting, taking and killing of wild animals for the purposes of sport...The Society opposes foxhunting, live hare coursing, stag hunting and otter hunting. The Society particularly opposes 'sports' which involve the blocking of earths or the digging out of animals that have gone to ground as part of their natural defence mechanism."
See Also: Animal shelter inspection report shows a number of deficiencies
ACTION ALERT
Contact Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore now. Ask them to introduce a ban on all blood sports - foxhunting, hare coursing, hare hunting, mink hunting, terrierwork and digging-out.
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny
Department of the Taoiseach,
Government Buildings,
Upper Merrion Street,
Dublin 2
Telephone: 01-6194020
Fax: 01-6764048
Email: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie
An Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore
Office of the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade,
Iveagh House,
80 St. Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6183566 (Dail)
Tel: 01 408 2000 (Iveagh House)
Fax: 01 408 2400
eamon.gilmore@oireachtas.ie
Contact Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and demand that blood sports are banned under the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012. In its current form, the Bill shamefully includes exemptions for coursing and hunting.
Minister Simon Coveney
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Email: minister@agriculture.gov.ie
Tel: 01-607 2884 or LoCall 1890-200510.
Fax: 01-661 1013.
Contact all your local TDs now. Tell them you are one of the majority who want blood sports banned. Urge them to back a ban.
Find out the names of your TDs and their email addresses.
http://www.oireachtas.ie/members%2Dhist/default.asp?housetype=0&HouseNum=31&disp=const
http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/Members_emails/document1.htm
If you prefer to post a letter to your TDs, address your correspondence to:
Dáil Éireann
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin 2.
Please also arrange a meeting with your TDs at their local clinics. Contact us for details.
ACTION ALERT
If you are a landowner, one of the best ways you can help wildlife is to make your land off limits to hunters and coursers. Visit our Farmers/Landowners Page to find out about steps you can take.
| Comments and video links posted on the Facebook page of the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. |
