There have been increased reports of illegal hunting, trespassing and the illegal targeting of protected wildlife in rural communities in mid and south Kildare
Gardaí and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) carried out joint operations targeting illegal hunting in Co Kildare. Photo: An Garda Síochána Kildare
Gardaí and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) teamed up over the weekend to carry out a targeted joint operation in order to clamp down on the rise of illegal hunting in Co Kildare.
The operation took place on Sunday, January 25 and focused on rural and farming communities who are most impacted by the ongoing reports of unlawful hunting, trespassing and the illegal targeting of protected wildlife, contrary to the Wildlife Acts.
A number of high-visibility checkpoints were set up across mid and south Kildare, alongside joint patrols at known locations associated with unlawful hunting.
Gardaí said that illegal hunting has a “serious and damaging” impact on local biodiversity and conservation and has the potential to cause localised extinctions of “protected and iconic species such as the Irish Hare”.
They added that illegal hunting are often linked with other criminal offences such as trespassing and criminal damage, which can cause distress within rural communities.
“Gardaí and NPWS remain committed to protecting wildlife, supporting landowners and tackling unlawful activity,” said a garda spokesperson.
“Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact their local garda station.”