2019 Local Election Candidates and Animal Cruelty Issues – Leitrim

The views of 2019 Local Election Candidates (Leitrim) in relation to animal cruelty issues. Please support compassionate candidates and reject those who defend animal cruelty.

Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire (Fine Gael, Leitrim County Council, Carrick-On-Shannon)
“I favour ban [on] all cruelty, man and beast.” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.

Cllr Gerard Dolan (Independent, Leitrim County Council, Ballinamore)
At a June 2010 meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Gerard Dolan voted in favour of a motion in support of the pro-bloodsports RISE campaign. The motion stated that Leitrim County Council “…shares the concerns [RISE] is highlighting, over legislation currently being proposed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley T.D. This Council calls on the Government to listen to the concerns being expressed by those who engage in hunting and other outdoor activities…”

Cllr Caillian Ellis (Fianna Fail, Leitrim County Council, Ballinamore)
At a June 2010 meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Caillian Ellis tabled the following motion in support of the pro-bloodsports RISE campaign: “I propose that Leitrim County Council support the “Rise Campaign” (Rural Ireland says enough) concerning the legislation being brought in to ban all field sports which would have a devastating effect on people’s livelihood.” According to the minutes of the meeting, Cllr Ellis “outlined that wildlife has to be culled to survive”.

Cllr Des Guckian (Independent, Leitrim County Council, Carrick-On-Shannon)
“Yes, I favour a ban on both hare coursing and foxhunting” in an email to ICABS, October 2014.

Cllr Sean McDermott (Fine Gael, Leitrim County Council, Manorhamilton)
At a June 2010 meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Sean McDermott voted in favour of motion in support of the pro-bloodsports RISE campaign. The motion stated that Leitrim County Council “…shares the concerns [RISE] is highlighting, over legislation currently being proposed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley T.D. This Council calls on the Government to listen to the concerns being expressed by those who engage in hunting and other outdoor activities…”

Cllr Paddy O’Rourke (Fianna Fail, Leitrim County Council, Ballinamore)
In 2010, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported motions in support of the pro-bloodsports RISE campaign. One of the motion was that “Leitrim County Council support the “Rise Campaign” (Rural Ireland says enough) concerning the legislation being brought in to ban all field sports which would have a devastating effect on people’s livelihood.” According to the minutes of a 14th June 2010 council meeting, “Councillor Paddy O’Rourke supported the motions. He stated that nobody is supporting any form of abuse of animals but that there is a place for culling etc and a balanced attitude and approach is required.”

Green Party candidates
Elizabeth Gifford
Leslie O’Hora
Bláithín Gallagher

The Green Party is in favour of a ban on bloodsports, including fox hunting, hare coursing, hare hunting and mink hunting. It also supports a ban on fur farming and an end to the Department of Agriculture’s cruel snaring and killing of badgers. See the party’s full animal welfare policy document at https://www.greenparty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Green-Party-Animal-Welfare-Policy_June-20151.pdf

See the full list of Leitrim candidates at
https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2019/2019/0505/1047633-leitrim-county-council/

Find out the views of candidates in other constituencies
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/2019-election-and-animal-cruelty-issues

Find out the views of European election candidates
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/european-election-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

If you are a candidate and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com

2019 Local Election Candidates and Animal Cruelty Issues – Limerick

The views of 2019 Local Election Candidates (Limerick) in relation to animal cruelty issues. Please support compassionate candidates and reject those who defend animal cruelty.

Cllr Daniel Butler (Fine Gael, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick City West)
In October 2014, Cllr Butler tabled a motion “to ban circuses with animals from performing on publicly-owned lands in Limerick”.

Cllr James Collins (Fianna Fail, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick City West)
“Grant for Limk Animal welfare…Worthy cause.” (from June 2013 tweet). ICABS asked Cllr Collins if he shares Limerick Animal Welfare’s opposition to cruel hare coursing. He did not reply.

Cllr Marian Hurley (Fine Gael, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick City East)
“Yes I am [in favour of a ban on fox hunting and hare coursing].” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.

Cllr Joe Leddin (Labour Party, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick City West)
“Totally opposed to both [foxhunting and hare coursing]” from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr John Loftus (Independent, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick City West)
“I find this practice [hare coursing] and foxhunting barbaric” Cllr John Loftus in an email to ICABS, June 2015.

“I personally campaigned to end blood sports in Scotland, for which we were successful. So I will fully support any motion put before the the council on this matter.” from an email to ICABS, September 2014.

Cllr Emmett O’Brien (Independent, Limerick City and County Council, Adare-Rathkeale)
“I’m not in favour of a full ban on hare coursing or fox hunting. I am in favour of it being regulated.” from a tweet to ICABS, September 2014.

“While I have some reservations about hare coursing I cannot support any ban in its current form. I disagree that it is barbaric and consider it a part of the rural community.” from an email to ICABS, November 2014.

Cllr Séighin Ó Ceallaigh (Sinn Fein, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick City East)
“I am against any form of animal cruelty, that leads to the suffering of animals.” from a tweet to ICABS, September 2014.

Cllr Elena Secas (Labour Party, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick City East)
“I think best way to lower incidences of animal cruelty & prevent it from happening is by highlighting it through the media. This will be a way of educating and explaining why certain practices are not acceptable in our modern and developed society.” from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr John Sheahan (Fine Gael, Limerick City and County Council, Newcastle West)
In October 2016 and October 2017, Cllr John Sheahan placed a “best wishes” advert in the booklet for Glin hare coursing meeting.

In October 2010, Cllr John Sheahan placed an advert in the Glin hare coursing meeting booklet. It stated: “Best wishes from John Sheahan, Local County Councillor”

In 2013, Cllr John Sheahan called for an “open season on the hen harrier” – one of Ireland’s rarest birds. The call was strongly condemned by the Irish Raptor Study Group who said “Cllr Sheahan’s call for an open season on Hen Harriers is highly irresponsible and can be interpreted as incitement to break both Irish and EU law. Hen Harriers are protected under Irish and EU legislation.”

BirdWatch Ireland also condemned “in the strongest terms” John Sheahan’s “highly irresponsible” comments. Group CEO Alan Lauder stated: “Cllr Sheahan’s ill-informed and short-sighted statement shows how far we have to travel as a state in prioritising our natural heritage over the self-interest of individuals.” He added: “Such statements can have far-reaching consequences. The Hen Harrier is protected under both Irish and European Union law, and Cllr. Sheahan’s statement could be viewed as an incitement to break these laws. For any decision-maker to hold such views in the 21st Century is alarming. When that individual actually sits on the Advisory Committee of the Environmental Protection Agency and also represents Ireland on an EU committee that helps form policy on the environment, natural resources and biodiversity, as Cllr. Sheahan does, then it becomes pitiful, and even dangerous.”

Theresa Storey (Green Party, Limerick, Adare-Rathkeale)
“I am completely against sport hunting, fox hunting, hare coursing, fur farming and other forms of animal cruelty.” (Email to ICABS, 21 May 2019).

Other Green Party candidates
Sean Hartigan (Green Party)
Brian Leddin (Green Party)
Breandán MacGabhann (Green Party)

The Green Party is in favour of a ban on bloodsports, including fox hunting, hare coursing, hare hunting and mink hunting. It also supports a ban on fur farming and an end to the Department of Agriculture’s cruel snaring and killing of badgers. See the party’s full animal welfare policy document at https://www.greenparty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Green-Party-Animal-Welfare-Policy_June-20151.pdf

Social Democrats candidates
Sarah-Jane Hennelly (Social Democrats)
Kieran Walsh (Social Democrats)
Elisa O’Donovan (Social Democrats)
Trevor McCarthy (Social Democrats)

The Social Democrats are in favour of a ban on fox hunting, hare coursing and fur farming. The party’s animal welfare policy states: “The Social Democrats strongly advocate animal rights and recognise animals as intelligent, sentient beings capable of complex thought and of experiencing pain and suffering…We are in favour of harsher penalties for animal cruelty” See the full policy at https://www.socialdemocrats.ie/our-policies/

See the full list of Limerick candidates at
https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2019/2019/0507/1048010-limerick-city-and-county-council/

Find out the views of candidates in other constituencies
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/2019-election-and-animal-cruelty-issues

Find out the views of European election candidates
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/european-election-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

If you are a candidate and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com

2019 Local Election Candidates and Animal Cruelty Issues – Laois

The views of 2019 Local Election Candidates (Laois) in relation to animal cruelty issues. Please support compassionate candidates and reject those who defend animal cruelty.

Naeem Iqbal (Independent, Laois, Portlaoise/Abbeyleix)

My statement on Animal Rights – 10/05/2019

“Recently, certain very pertinent questions regarding an oft-ignored aspect of our lives, and responsibilities were posed to me, in a personal capacity. While answering the questions, I felt the issues, and my responses and stance on them should reach out to more people in Portlaoise, and surrounding areas. Since the problems is not typically mainstream, the more I can spread awareness about it, the better it is. It is also my moral responsibility as a candidate for the upcoming Local Council Elections to talk about in whatever form I can.

“When it comes to blood sports, and other forms of human-initiated actions that cause distress, harm, and bodily injuries, or trauma to animals, my stance is unambiguous. I do not support blood sports, and if elected, would do everything in my capacity to discourage such activities. In the interest and spirit of greater ethical treatment of animals, I am also against live exports of animals, fur farming, and medical testing on animals that cause them harm, and pain. Breeding grounds, puppy farms also fall in this category, and I am avowedly against them. The same goes for horse and greyhound racing.

“I believe as a responsible citizen, and as someone in public life, and contesting elections for public office, I should put my feelings, and statement on record about animal cruelty. This is our primary responsibility as humans with intelligence and intellect.”

Cllr John King (Fine Gael, Laois County Council, Borris in Ossory-Mountmellick)
In 2013, Cllr John King shamefully welcomed hunting body FACE to County Laois. FACE’s members include the Irish Masters of Foxhounds, the Irish Coursing Club, the Ward Union deerhunt and the Irish Masters of Harriers/Beagles/Minkhounds Associations – “Before returning to Dublin and their respective countries, the FACE Members were treated to a game feast of locally-sourced venison, pigeon and pheasant at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, home of Ireland’s St. Hubert’s Day Celebrations. Officially welcomed by Councillor John King on behalf of the Laois Municipality, the guests arrived to find the famous Laois Hunt horses and hounds awaiting them along with David Lalor, Master of the Laois Hunt and Joe Hosey, Chairman of the Laois Regional Game Council.” from “Europe’s Hunting And Conservation Associations Gather In Dublin”, Irish Countrysports and Country life magazine, Summer 2013.

Cllr Paschal McEvoy (Fianna Fail, Laois County Council, Graiguecullen-Portarlington)
In November 2016, Cllr McEvoy sponsored a greyhound race at Newbridge track. Two greyhounds collided and were knocked over during the race.

Cllr Aidan Mullins (Sinn Fein, Laois County Council)
“Personally I am against fox hunting and hare coursing.” from an email to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Noel Tuohy (Labour Party, Laois County Council, Portlaoise)
“I would be totally opposed [to fox hunting and hare coursing]” from a text to ICABS, July 2015.

See the full list of Laois candidates at
https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2019/2019/0507/1047994-laois-county-council/

Find out the views of candidates in other constituencies
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/2019-election-and-animal-cruelty-issues

Find out the views of European election candidates
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/european-election-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

If you are a candidate and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com

2019 Local Election Candidates and Animal Cruelty Issues – Longford

The views of 2019 Local Election Candidates (Longford) in relation to animal cruelty issues. Please support compassionate candidates and reject those who defend animal cruelty.

Cllr Paraic Brady (Fine Gael, Longford County Council, Granard)
“I am in favour of foxhunting as it keeps the numbers down.” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014. ICABS has highlighted the cruelty of foxhunting to Cllr Brady and asked him to reconsider his stance.

In an August 2016 report in the Farming Independent, Cllr Brady made the remarkable claim that a pine marten “killed two of his lambs and injured three others” and that an unidentified woman was bitten by a pine marten. The Irish Wildlife Trust condemned the report as sensationalist and “truly misinformed” and the councillor’s claims as “alarmist and irresponsible”. Pointing out that “rumour and hearsay is not fact”, the IWT emphasised that “pine martens do not attack sheep or people.”

In a Shannonside Radio interview in July 2015, Cllr Paraic Brady revealed that he is a gun club member and that he is concerned that pine martens are killing pheasants that gun clubs release to be later shot out of the sky. He claimed that pine martens are not native to Ireland and was later corrected by a wildlife expert who said pine martens are indeed native and are believed to have been in Ireland for 8,000 years. https://www.facebook.com/banbloodsports/videos/vb.463547953760768/1049520208496870/?type=2&theater

“Councillor J. Duffy proposed and Councillor P. Brady seconded that the Government be requested to lift the Protected Species Order on the native pine-marten.” from the minutes of the July 2015 meeting of Longford County Council.

“The inaugural Gerry Brady Memorial fox hunt took place on Sunday and while there was much online opposition to the event, Cllr Paraic Brady, son of the late Gerry, launched a staunch defence…In recent days plenty of opposition to hare coursing and foxhunting has emerged with many organisations calling for a complete ban on such activities. Mr Brady says it is part of our culture, ‘a tradition’ and a way of life for many people in society.” Longford Leader, 10 February 2017.

Cllr Seamus Butler (Fianna Fail, Longford County Council)
“An animal rights campaigner and a Longford councillor have clashed strongly about whether hare-coursing should be banned. The national Coursing championships recently took place in Clonmel, with animal rights groups pleading with the government to ban the sport on grounds of cruelty to hares. Hare coursing was once a popular activity in the Shannonside region- with coursing on St Stephen’s Day in Roscommon. During a discussion on the Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Lanesboro’s Nuala Donlon noted a recent opinion poll showed that 64 per cent of the Irish public supported a prohibition on the sport. However, Councillor Seamus Butler disagrees.” from Longford councillor and animal rights campaigner row over hare coursing ban, Shannonside Radio, 10th February 2017.

Cllr Gerard Farrell (Fine Gael, Longford County Council, Ballymahon)
In July 2018, Cllr Farrell sponsored the “The Cllr Gerard Farrell, Lanesboro S3-S4 Veterans 330” race at Longford greyhound track. Cllr Farrell was urged to stop sponsoring racing at the track where 44 dogs suffered injuries and 22 were killed in the previous three years.

Cllr Colm Murray (Fine Gael, Longford County Council, Ballymahon)
“Councillor John Duffy first raised the issue at yesterday’s meeting of Longford County Council, asking for the pine marten’s protective status to be lifted and to have them classed as vermin, as their population is out of control. His party member Colm Murray suggested putting a motion before the next council meeting to ask the Minister to review the status.” from “Longford councillors call for pine marten to be taken off protected species list”, Shannonside Radio, July 9th, 2015. The pine marten is Ireland’s rarest native wild mammal and is protected under Irish and EU legislation.

Cllr PJ Reilly (Fianna Fail, Longford County Council, Granard)
Cllr PJ Reilly is a sponsor of the cruel greyhound industry. In September 2017, he sponsored two races at Longford greyhound track.

He is a “founding member of the Abbeylara Gun Club” – an animal killing club whose victims include pheasants, ducks, foxes and other creatures.

“Cllr PJ Reilly said he, too, had come across the tree-climbing species [pine marten] in Abbeylara, where a number of young cygnets had fallen victim to the pine marten.” from Call for pine marten to be taken off protected species register, Longford Leader, 15 July 2015.

Cllr Mae Sexton (Independent, Longford County Council, Longford Town)
“I am totally opposed to bloodsports. You have my full support for the campaign.” Cllr Mae Sexton to ICABS, May 2014.

See the full list of Longford candidates at
https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2019/2019/0505/1047634-longford-county-council/

Find out the views of candidates in other constituencies
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/2019-election-and-animal-cruelty-issues

Find out the views of European election candidates
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/european-election-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

If you are a candidate and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com

2019 Local Election Candidates and Animal Cruelty Issues – Kildare

The views of 2019 Local Election Candidates (Kildare) in relation to animal cruelty issues. Please support compassionate candidates and reject those who defend animal cruelty.

Cllr Anne Breen (Labour Party, Kildare County Council, Naas)
“I am very much against foxhunting and hare coursing…and would fully support your stance.” from a message to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Aoife Breslin (Labour Party, Kildare County Council, Athy)
“I can confirm that I am in favour of a ban on hare coursing and foxhunting.” from a text message to ICABS, February 2015.

Cllr Reada Cronin (Sinn Fein, Kildare County Council, Maynooth)
“I cannot understand why they’re called ‘sports’. I would support a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting.” from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.

Samantha Kenny (Social Democrats – Athy)
“I wholeheartedly support a ban on fox hunting and hare coursing. They are totally unnecessary activities and cruelty for entertainment purposes is absolutely unacceptable. I also believe there is no need for fur farming with the numerous animal cruelty free alternatives we have on the market to replace the use of it.” The Social Democrats are in favour of a ban on fox hunting, hare coursing and fur farming. The party’s animal welfare policy states: “The Social Democrats strongly advocate animal rights, and recognise animals as intelligent, sentient beings capable of complex thought and of experiencing pain and suffering…We are in favour of harsher penalties for animal cruelty” See the full policy at https://www.socialdemocrats.ie/our-policies/

Ashling Merriman (People Before Profit, Naas)
People Before Profit’s Animal Welfare policies include: Introduce a complete ban on the hunting of wild mammals with hounds, Introduce a complete ban on coursing live hares, Ban fur farming and End badger culling by traps, snares and shooting – http://www.pbp.ie/policies/animal-welfare-policy/

Cllr Joe Neville (Fine Gael, Kildare County Council, Leixlip)
“Absolutely.” In response to an ICABS tweet – “We hope you favour a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing which are forms of cruelty to animals” (9th September 2014).

Cllr Thomas Redmond (Sinn Fein, Kildare County Council, Athy)
“I know where this [fur farm] site is and it’s harrowing. Sinn Feín recently asked the Minister how many of these foxes and mink had escaped – none were reported. The country side beside this farm in Laois is alive with mink”. From a tweet to ICABS, March 18 2018 https://twitter.com/Thomas_Redmond/status/975552297374769152

Cllr Redmond posed next to mounted members of the Fisherstown Farmers Hunt at a November 2013 fundraising event. “Thanks to Cllr Tomas Redmond for showing great support for the event,” the hunt stated on its Facebook page.

Cllr Darren Scully (Fine Gael, Kildare County Council, Naas)
“I am against all cruelty to animals, however what one person sees as cruel another sees as an acceptable part of life, many humans in this world are meat eaters and some would argue that it is cruel to kill cattle, deer, or rabbit to consume. I do not think it wrong or cruel to kill animals for consumption as long as it is done in a controlled manner monitored by the relevant state agency. I do think it is wrong to kill animals for sport, in this day and age we can still engage in sport without the need to take life intentionally. I am sure quite a few were not too pleased when the Romans did away with the gladiators.” from an email to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Brendan Young (Independent, Kildare County Council, Celbridge)
“I support your call [for a ban on hare coursing]. Please add my name to those calling for a ban.” from an email to ICABS, August 2015.

“In favour of a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting.” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.

Green Party candidates
Vanessa Liston
Peter Hamilton
Eoin Hallissey
Colette Newman
Vincent P. Martin

The Green Party is in favour of a ban on bloodsports, including fox hunting, hare coursing, hare hunting and mink hunting. It also supports a ban on fur farming and an end to the Department of Agriculture’s cruel snaring and killing of badgers. See the party’s full animal welfare policy document at https://www.greenparty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Green-Party-Animal-Welfare-Policy_June-20151.pdf

Other Social Democrats candidates
Stephen Marken (Social Democrats)
Fionnuala Killeen (Social Democrats)
Aidan Farrelly (Social Democrats)
Chris Pender (Social Democrats)
Bill Clear (Social Democrats)

The Social Democrats are in favour of a ban on fox hunting, hare coursing and fur farming. The party’s animal welfare policy states: “The Social Democrats strongly advocate animal rights and recognise animals as intelligent, sentient beings capable of complex thought and of experiencing pain and suffering…We are in favour of harsher penalties for animal cruelty” See the full policy at https://www.socialdemocrats.ie/our-policies/

See the full list of Kildare candidates at
https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2019/2019/0505/1047632-kildare-county-council/

Find out the views of candidates in other constituencies
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/2019-election-and-animal-cruelty-issues

Find out the views of European election candidates
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/european-election-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

If you are a candidate and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com

2019 Local Election Candidates and Animal Cruelty Issues – Kerry

The views of 2019 Local Election Candidates (Kerry) in relation to animal cruelty issues. Please support compassionate candidates and reject those who defend animal cruelty.

Cllr Robert Beasley (Sinn Fein, Kerry County Council, Listowel)
In November 2015, Cllr Robert Beasley, Cllr Dianne Nolan and Martin Ferris TD placed an advert in the booklet for Listowel hare coursing meeting. The advert stated: “Best of luck to Listowel Coursing Club”. See 3 Sinn Fein politicians wish “best of luck” to cruel coursers.

Cllr Michael Cahill (Fianna Fáil, Kerry County Council, Kenmare)
“The council will have to vigorously oppose any ban on night-time shooting. The fox population will increase dramatically, to the detriment of sheep farmers, who have enormous difficulty protecting young and new-born lambs. If this proposal is implemented it will also have huge repercussions for those involved in poultry — chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other fowl — as up to 90% of foxes are killed at night.” Irish Examiner, June 19, 2017.

Yvonne Dineen (Independent, Tralee)
“I oppose coursing, fox hunting and fur farms. 80% of Irish people are in favour of a ban – I am one of those people. As for coursing and fox hunting – I can’t understand how anyone could participate and enjoy this so-called ‘sport’.”

Bec Fahy (People Before Profit, Kerry, Tralee)
“I am more than happy to support your call for a ban on blood sports. I am totally opposed to fox hunting, hare coursing and any so-called sports that use live animals and causes them harm or distress. People Before Profit have clear policies on animal welfare and wish to see an end to the abuse and suffering of animals.” from an email to ICABS, 22 May 2019.

People Before Profit’s Animal Welfare policies include: Introduce a complete ban on the hunting of wild mammals with hounds, Introduce a complete ban on coursing live hares, Ban fur farming and End badger culling by traps, snares and shooting – http://www.pbp.ie/policies/animal-welfare-policy/

Cllr Jim Finucane (Fine Gael, Kerry County Council, Tralee)
In 2014, Cllr Jim Finucane sponsored a greyhound racing event at Kingdom greyhound track in Tralee. Among the races at the “Aoife Thornton Fine Gael Night at the Dogs” event was the “Cllr Jim Finucane 525” and the “Coursing Sweepstake Final”.

Cllr John Francis Flynn (Fianna Fail, Kerry County Council, Kenmare)
“I’m not in favour of a ban [on foxhunting and hare coursing]” from an email to ICABS, August 2016.

“Cllr John Francis Flynn opposed the motion [proposing a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses] saying there are groups of agitators out there who want to ban everything. This would be just a stepping stone, he said, and the next thing will be to try and stop Puck Fair or farmers shooting foxes or mink.” Radio Kerry, 13th December 2016.

Cllr Norma Foley (Fianna Fail, Kerry County Council, Tralee)
“Cllr Norma Foley said the motion [proposing a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses] implied all circuses were doing a disserve to animals.” Radio Kerry, 13th December 2016.

Cllr Michael Gleeson (Independent, Kerry County Council, Killarney)
In 2007, Councillor Michael Gleeson was criticised by ICABS after he called for the urgent elimination of the mink species. Cllr Gleeson said that “it is imperative that an onslaught is commenced on the most unwelcome mink.”

Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae (Independent, Kerry County Council, Kenmare)
“Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae who farms sheep at the foot of Mangerton Mountain and has shot foxes to protect his flock, said those behind the law [proposing a ban on the shooting of foxes at night] are do-gooders who would prefer to see the entire county turned into a National Park.” Radio Kerry News, 23rd June 2017.

Cllr Maura Healy-Rae (Independent, Kerry County Council, Killarney)
“Cllr Maura Healy-Rae said [a proposed ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses] could open up an attack on horse racing and coursing and this area was not the responsibility of the council.” Radio Kerry, 13th December 2016.

Cllr Niall Kelleher (Fianna Fail, Kerry County Council, Killarney)
“Fianna Fail Cllr Niall Kelleher brought a motion before the monthly meeting of the local authority calling for legislation governing the area to be amended. Cllr Niall Kelleher told the meeting at present the use of animals in circuses in Ireland is unregulated and the only way to ensure the welfare of wild animals such as lions, tigers and elephants is to ban their use. He added that 12 other local authorities have banned circuses using wild or any animals on council lands.” Radio Kerry, 13th December 2016.

Cllr Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael, Kerry County Council, Listowel)
Cllr Kennelly follows Listowel coursing club on Twitter. ICABS asked him to clarify his stance on the issue. He did not reply.

Cllr Sam Locke (Independent, Kerry County Council, Tralee)
“I am totally against this form of so-called sport [hare coursing and fox hunting]” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.

Cllr Dan McCarthy (Independent, Kerry County Council, Kenmare)
“Cllr Dan McCarthy, who also manages Kenmare Mart, said the law [proposing a ban on night-time shooting of foxes] will prevent farmers even using a light to check their flocks at night. ‘It won’t increase my wages at the end of the year, it will be me or the fox getting a bonus and I hope it’s me’, he said.” Radio Kerry News, 23rd June 2017.

Cllr Pat McCarthy (Fine Gael, Kerry County Council, Castleisland)
“No I am not in favour [of a ban on hare coursing and foxhunting]” from an email to ICABS, August 2016.

Cllr Tom McEllistrim (Fianna Fail, Kerry County Council, Castleisland)
In a statement issued in September 2007, Tom McEllistrim welcomed the licensing of hare coursing and described the blood sport as “thoroughly humane”. Responding, ICABS stated: “Deputy McEllistrim clearly doesn’t comprehend the meaning of the word humane.” For more details, please see ICABS blasts “coursing is humane” claim

In 2005, foxes and mink were doomed to lives of misery on fur farms following the rejection by Dail Eireann of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. The bill was defeated by 67 votes to 50. Tom McEllistrim was among the TDs who shamefully voted AGAINST the bill.

Cllr Jimmy Moloney (Fianna Fail, Kerry County Council, Listowel)
In February 2014, Cllr Moloney tweeted “hard luck” to the Irish Coursing Club and the owner of a dog beaten in the Irish Cup hare coursing event.

Cllr Norma Moriarty (Fianna Fail, Kerry County Council, Kenmare)
Speaking on the Sean O’Rourke Show on RTE Radio 1 (4th April 2019), Cllr Moriarity defended fur farming on the grounds of employment, saying “we have in the region of 13 full time jobs in the Kerry [fur farm]”. Asked about the cruelty of fur farming, Cllr Moriarity remarked: “I think it is also cruel if you take a job away from somebody who is providing for their household…” Listen to the show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCKOE1Lb4nI

Cllr Aoife Thornton (Fine Gael, Kerry County Council, Listowel)
In 2014, Cllr Aoife Thornton held a fundraiser at Kingdom greyhound track in Tralee. Among the races at the “Aoife Thornton Fine Gael Night at the Dogs” event was the “Coursing Sweepstake Final”.

Green Party candidates
Michael Fitzgerald
Cleo Murphy
Anne-Marie Fuller

The Green Party is in favour of a ban on bloodsports, including fox hunting, hare coursing, hare hunting and mink hunting. It also supports a ban on fur farming and an end to the Department of Agriculture’s cruel snaring and killing of badgers. See the party’s full animal welfare policy document at https://www.greenparty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Green-Party-Animal-Welfare-Policy_June-20151.pdf

See the full list of Kerry candidates at
https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2019/2019/0507/1048065-kerry-county-council/

Find out the views of candidates in other constituencies
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/2019-election-and-animal-cruelty-issues

Find out the views of European election candidates
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/european-election-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

If you are a candidate and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com

2019 Local Election Candidates and Animal Cruelty Issues – Galway County

The views of 2019 Local Election Candidates (Galway County) in relation to animal cruelty issues. Please support compassionate candidates and reject those who defend animal cruelty.

Ken Campbell (Social Democrats, Ballinasloe)
The Social Democrats are in favour of a ban on fox hunting, hare coursing and fur farming. The party’s animal welfare policy states: “The Social Democrats strongly advocate animal rights and recognise animals as intelligent, sentient beings capable of complex thought and of experiencing pain and suffering…We are in favour of harsher penalties for animal cruelty” See the full policy at https://www.socialdemocrats.ie/our-policies/

Cllr Gerry Finnerty (Fianna Fail, Galway County Council, Gort-Kinvara)
In an April 2014 tweet, Cllr Finnerty stated: “Wishing the Clare Hunt all the best this Sunday in their point to point races in Quackerstown, Boston, Co Clare!” Point-to-point racing is a major fund-raiser for foxhunting groups.

Councillor Pat Hynes (Independent, Galway, Loughrea)
“All animals are God’s Creation and must be loved and protected.” (from an email to ICABS, 23 May 2019)

Kenneth Keavey (Green Party, Athenry-Oranmore)
The Green Party is in favour of a ban on bloodsports, including fox hunting, hare coursing, hare hunting and mink hunting. It also supports a ban on fur farming and an end to the Department of Agriculture’s cruel snaring and killing of badgers. See the party’s full animal welfare policy document at https://www.greenparty.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Green-Party-Animal-Welfare-Policy_June-20151.pdf

See the full list of Galway County candidates at
https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2019/2019/0507/1047975-galway-county-council/

Find out the views of candidates in other constituencies
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/2019-election-and-animal-cruelty-issues

Find out the views of European election candidates
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/european-election-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

If you are a candidate and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com