Five Cork men have their fines for illegal hunting reduced.
Michael Foley, (43), 30 Awbeg, Rivervalley, Mallow, Co. Cork, Anthony Reilly, (32), 32 Ballinure Avenue, Mahon, Cork, Joseph O’ Reilly, (30), 32 Ballinure Avenue, Mahon, Cork, Timmy O’ Reilly, (45), 3 Meelagh Drive, Mahon, Cork, and Patrick O’ Reilly, (56), 32 Ballinure Avenue, Mahon, Cork.
They appeared at Cork Circuit Appeals Court appealing the severity of fines imposed on them for hunting on privately owned lands with dogs in contravention of the Wildlife Act.
The court heard from Sergeant John Kelleher said that at 10.10am on March 14, 2021, at Kilboy, Riverstick, Co. Cork, gardaí observed a large number of men spread out across two fields hunting with dogs.
“They saw three vehicles parked up on the side of the road with a dog trailer attached to each vehicle. They had at least three different dog breeds, as well as bars and a shovel. The dogs were off-lead and hunting around the fields.
The land was private property,” Sgt Kelleher said.
Each man was fined on a charge that on March 14, 2021, not being the owner of land, he entered the land for hunting foxes without permission, contrary to the Wildlife Act.
Mr Foley and Mr J. O’Reilly were fined €500 and Mr A.O’ Reilly and Mr T. O’ Reilly were fined €750. Mr P. O’ Reilly was fined €300.
Court Leniency
Orla Meere, barrister, outlining the appeal said that the five men accepted their actions, are on social welfare and were seeking leniency from the court in respect of their fines.
In response, Judge Sinead Behan said: “One of the problems with this is that it is private land and there have been instances where owners are intimidated by men appearing on their land with bars and dogs and that has led to terrible consequences, sometimes fatal.
You would present as a very intimidating bunch of men if you arrived on someone’s land with dogs and bars, apart altogether from wildlife considerations.
“This is a serious matter. If this is activity you get involved in as a hobby it can lead to damage to property, let alone the unfortunate animals you are pursuing.”
The judge said that because of the men’s financial and family circumstances she would reduce the fines in all cases to €300.
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