Irish politicians and the cruel dog-killing greyhound industry

Peter Burke TD (Fine Gael, Longford Westmeath)

“I’d like to wish the industry well” – Peter Burke TD shamefully supports cruel greyhound racing.

Despite being aware of the cruelty and killing in nasty greyhound racing, Fine Gael TD, Peter Burke (Longford Westmeath) stated at a recent meeting of the Public Accounts Committee: “I’d like to wish the industry well. It is a huge week for it with its derby on Saturday, the pinnacle of the racing calendar. I wish them well with that and hope it is well supported” (19 September 2019).

Deputy Burke’s comments follow shocking revelations in the “RTE Investigates: Greyhounds running for their lives” documentary that 6,000 dogs are killed every year in the greyhound industry simply because they are not fast enough to win. Viewers were shown horrifying scenes of dogs being delivered to knackeries to be shot in the head. One shot dog was seen writhing on the ground in agony as his merciless owner drove away. The programme also highlighted the mutilation and doping of greyhounds and the injuries and deaths at greyhound tracks.

Deputy Burke enquired at the Public Accounts Committee meeting about works at the loss-making Mullingar greyhound track – “I want to ask briefly about increasing capacity at Mullingar and the capital works that are due” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKn21qUsaeM.

Mullingar track is one of the worst tracks in Ireland for injuries and deaths, with sickening footage of dogs suffering bad falls included in the RTE documentary. In the past four years alone, 238 greyhounds suffered injuries and 58 were killed by a track vet at Mullingar stadium. Among the injuries suffered by dogs there are “severed spine” and fractured hock bones.

Bobby Aylward TD (Fianna Fail, Carlow Kilkenny)

In June 2016, Bobby Aylward was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.

“Coursing is part of Irish life…We’d like it to be properly maintained…If Minister Madigan doesn’t give the licence, is it the end of coursing?” speaking at a Public Accounts Committee / Irish Greyhound Board meeting, 19 September 2019.

In December 2016, he voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2016 which granted €80 million of taxpayers’ money to the horse and greyhound racing industries. In November 2018, he again voted in favour of the regulations, which granted another €84 million to horse and greyhound racing.

Patrick Deering TD (Fine Gael, Carlow Kilkenny):

In June 2016, Patrick Deering was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.

In December 2016, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million of taxpayers’ money to the horse and greyhound racing industries. In December 2017, he again voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted another €80 million to horse and greyhound racing.

“Pat Deering has described as invalid, claims by animal rights activists that hare coursing represents cruelty to animals. The Carlow TD was speaking to KCLR following a bill proposed to the Dáil yesterday by independent TD Maureen O Sullivan that sought to ban the activity. Deputy Deering was one of 114 TDs who voted against the bill”. KCLR Radio News, July 1st 2016.

Patrick Deering’s director of elections in the 2011 General Election was Phil Meaney – “a member of the executive committee of the Irish Coursing Club and a member of the finance committee of the Irish Coursing Club” (Source Department of Agriculture website, 2011). Mr Meaney was subsequently appointed to the position of chairman of Bord na gCon. According to the Irish Independent of May 1st 2011, “The Government was in one hell of a hurry to appoint Mr Meaney to the top Bord na gCon job. [Agriculture Minister Simon] Coveney even admitted to having been politically lobbied, but insisted that was not a factor…Fine Gael Carlow TD, Pat Deering, conceded that he had lobbied on behalf of Mr Meaney.”

Patrick Deering follows the Irish Coursing Club on Twitter.

“I would like to put on the record here – as regards the whole greyhound bill – that the chairperson of the Irish Greyhound Board, Mr Phil Meaney, who will be coming before us to give a presentation, is a personal friend of mine.” Patrick Deering, TD, Speaking as chairman of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 2nd May 2017. He made the declaration ahead of submissions being made by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports and the Greyhound Rescue Association of Ireland in relation to the Greyhound Industry Bill 2017.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Councillors and Animal Cruelty Issues

Political Views / Councillors

The views of councillors in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact councillors and urge them to push for a ban on hunting, coursing, greyhound racing and all activities involving cruelty to animals. If councillors express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions.

Cllr Shay Brennan (Fianna Fail, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“Naturally I oppose cruelty to animals” from a tweet to ICABS, 12th August 2014.

Cllr Anne Colgan (Independent, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“l favour a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting.” from an email to ICABS, August 2016.

Cormac Devlin (Fianna Fail, Dún Laoghaire):
“I have been a member of the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals since I was a child. Animal welfare is certainly a priority for me. As a county councillor, I repeatedly highlighted abuses in the dog breeding industry. I was delighted to see the introduction of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 which effectively outlawed “puppy farms”. Should I be elected to Dáil Eireann, I look forward to working closely with advocacy groups like the DSPCA to improve legislation in this area, in particular with regard to Foxhunting and Hare coursing.” from an email to ICABS, February 2016.

“I’ve been a supporter of Dublin SPCA since I was a child & worked as a public rep to ban puppy farms, yes this is a priority. Yes [I am in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing].” from tweets to ICABS, 5th February 2016.

Eva Dowling (Green Party, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown)
“As a lifelong vegetarian, and now a vegan for several years, animal cruelty is a topic on which I feel very strongly on. I am completely and utterly against all forms of blood sports. Recently I took part in a protest with PETA in Pamplona against the Running of the Bulls festival (San Fermin) and bullfighting more generally. If elected, I will do everything in my power to make blood sports a thing of the past.

Fur farming is a sickening practice that has been allowed to continue for far too long. I firmly believe that the only reason fur farming has been allowed to continue, is because the vast majority of Irish people don’t know that it happens within our borders. I believe that it is vital for us to spread information about this practice, so that the people of Ireland can see what has been going on behind closed doors.

I firmly believe that all forms of animal cruelty need to stop. I also believe that the Council could do more to protect the wildlife who also live in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, but don’t have a vote. The Irish Council Against Blood Sports is a great organisation, and I wholeheartedly support their work.” from an email to ICABS 17 May 2019.

Cllr Melissa Halpin (People Before Profit Alliance, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“As a socialist I completely abhor animal cruelty and all blood sports. In particular I am against the kind of intensive farming practices that see animals being imprisoned and force fed. Unfortunately, I believe that as long as we have a society that is driven by the profit motive, we will continue to see these practices and for that reason I think it is right to make this an election issue.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014. In November 2014, she voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.

Cllr Mary Hanafin (Fianna Fail, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
As a TD in 2005, Mary Hanafin was one of 62 Fianna Fail TDs who voted against the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004. In November 2014, she voted in favour of a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.

“From WikiLeaks: How the USA got access to Ireland’s secrets”, Irish Independent, May 31 2011: “A leaked cable reveals how former minister and current Fianna Fail vice-president Mary Hanafin briefed the American Embassy on tense ongoing coalition negotiations. The word “PROTECT” appears beside her name in the cable, meaning her identity and/or her comments were not to be made public. Ms Hanafin last night confirmed she gave the briefing at the behest of US Ambassador Dan Rooney. According to the dispatch, Ms Hanafin made a number of derogatory comments about her Green Party coalition partners. “She said she had the impression that, if some of the Greens had their way, the Programme for Government would emphasize ‘hares, stags and badgers while everyone else in the country is drowning in this economy’,” Ambassador Rooney told Washington in the cable. Ms Hanafin refused to say last night if she stood over the remarks attributed to her.”

Cllr Deirdre Kingston (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
In November 2014, she voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.

Cllr Hugh Lewis (People Before Profit Alliance, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“As a vegetarian, I believe that all forms of cruelty to animals is unacceptable.” In November 2014, he voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.

Deirdre Ní Fhloinn (Green Party, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown)
“I am happy to support the work of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports in promoting a ban on fox hunting, hare coursing, and fur farming, along with my Green Party colleagues. I am utterly opposed to animal cruelty and the use and harm of animals for sport and entertainment.” (email to ICABS, 21 May 2019)

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown)
“I have the greatest respect for animals and oppose all cruelty.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014. In November 2014, she voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them. “I couldn’t support this motion if it meant culling foxes or killing foxes,” she said.

Cllr Lynsey McGovern (Independent, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“I totally agree with a ban [on foxhunting and hare coursing]” from a tweet to ICABS, 12th August 2014.

Cllr Peter O’Brien (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“I fully support the banning of hare coursing and fox hunting. Putting an animal through undue stress and torture is not a form of entertainment and should be condemned by all.” from an email to ICABS, August 2016.

In November 2014, he voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them. “The reason I can’t support this motion is because the urban fox problem is not defined,” he said. “We’re getting bogged down in urban myths and legends without getting down to facts.” He questioned the need for any action to be taken against the foxes.

Cllr Denis O Callaghan (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“I am opposed to animal cruelty in the areas of fox-hunting and hare coursing.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014. In November 2014, he voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.

Séafra Ó Faoláin (Green Party, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown)
“Greyhound racing needs to be banned” – Tweet from Cllr Ó Faoláin, 26 June 2019.

“My views are in line with the Green Party’s!” 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

Una Power (Green Party, Killiney-Shankill)
“I am very proud to be a member of the Green Party, which has long called for an end to blood sports and fur farming in Ireland. Sport and fashion shouldn’t be used as an excuse for animal cruelty. I am also proud to have worked with Deputy Catherine Martin and the Green Party on supporting calls for animal welfare classes to be provided in schools.” from an email to ICABS, 17 May 2019.

Cllr Carrie Smyth (Labour, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“I do not like to see cruelty to animals.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014.

Cllr Ossian Smyth (Green Party, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
“I am against animal cruelty.” from a tweet to ICABS, 5th August 2014. In November 2014, he voted against a council motion which described urban foxes as a “problem” and which called for action to be taken to deal with them.

Cllr Barry Ward (Fine Gael, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council)
In 2014, Cllr Ward proposed a motion calling on the National Parks and Wildlife Service to address the urban fox “problem”.

Contact Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at http://ecouncil.dlrcoco.ie:9071/mgMemberIndex.aspx?VW=TABLE&PIC=1&FN=

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

Dublin City Councillors and Animal Cruelty Issues

Political Views / Councillors

The views of councillors in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact councillors and urge them to push for a ban on hunting, coursing, greyhound racing and all activities involving cruelty to animals. If councillors express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions.

Cllr Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein, Dublin City Council)
In 2010, Chris Andrews TD voted in favour of the ban on carted deer hunting.

Cllr Janice Boylan (Sinn Fein, Dublin City Council)
“I vote against [hare coursing] at every Ard dheis I’ve been a delegate at. I am strongly opposed to it.” from a tweet to ICABS, Novemer 2015.

“My personal stance is yes, I would favour a ban on this animal cruelty [hare coursing and foxhunting].” from a tweet to ICABS, October 2014.

Cllr Christy Burke (Independent, Dublin City Council)
“I am against any form of animal cruelty.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014

Cllr Daithí Doolan (Sinn Fein, Dublin City Council)
“Blood ‘sports’ are unacceptable & indefensible. I have been against blood ‘sports’ since I was a child. They always struck me as being terribly terribly cruel! I wish you well in campaigning to get them banned. Adh mór.” from a message left on ICABS blog, June 2015.

Cllr Pat Dunne (United Left – People Before Profit Alliance, Dublin City Council)
“I am in favour of an end to foxhunting, hare coursing and other forms of cruelty.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014.

Cllr Mary Freehill (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
“I’m very much in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing. Hare coursing in particular is extremely cruel.” from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Gary Gannon (Social Democrats, Dublin City Council)
“I am fully against blood sports in all their forms and would be fully supportive of any Dublin City Council motion which called for a ban on such unnecessary cruelty.”

Cllr Alison Gilliland (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
“Yes [add me to list of Labour Party politicians in favour of a ban on bloodsports]. No animal should be hunted down or deliberately set upon in the name of sport or pleasure.” from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.

Cllr Jane Horgan-Jones (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
“Yes [I am in favour of a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing].” from a tweet to ICABS, May 2014.

Neasa Hourigan (Green Party, Cabra-Glasnevin)
“I am Chair of Policy for the Green Party so I am quite involved in developing and updating our animal welfare work. As you can imagine it’s an area of huge interest and long standing commitment for the party and indeed in the last few months we’ve been working hard on the issue of live exports.

I am (and of course party policy is) opposed to all blood sports, and we will seek to bring in legislation to end hare coursing, fox hunting, hare hunting and mink hunting. We will also work to ensure that sufficient resources are made available to enforce existing laws against stag hunting, dog fighting, cock fighting and animal baiting.

Cllr Vincent Jackson (Independent, Dublin City Council)
“I am, and have always been, against bloodsports.” from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Dermot Lacey (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
“As a dog owner and animal lover generally I would be, and have been, supportive of typical animal rights issues over the years.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014.

Cllr John Lyons (Independent, Dublin City Council)
“I am most certainly in favour of a ban on these horrific activities [hare coursing and fox hunting].” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.

Cllr Tina MacVeigh (People Before Profit, Dublin City Council)
“I most definitely am [in favour of a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting].” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.

Cllr Rebecca Moynihan (Labour Party, Dublin City Council)
“Yes [add me to list of Labour Party politicians in favour of a ban on bloodsports]. I’m an animal lover.” from a tweet to ICABS, June 2015.

Cllr Criona Ni Dhalaigh (Sinn Fein, Dublin City Council)
“I am against any form of animal cruelty and abhor foxhunting and hare coursing.” from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Damian O’Farrell (Independent, Dublin City Council / Clontarf)
“I am absolutely against the killing of animals for sport. Furthermore I don’t agree with animals being held in circuses and have spoken out regarding this matter to Dublin City Council.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014.

Cllr Cieran Perry (Independent, Dublin City Council)
“I believe that the netting and coursing of wild hares is a cruel and barbaric practice that has no place in the Ireland of today. Despite the introduction of muzzling, which coursing enthusiasts reassured the public would remove the “kill” element of this so-called sport, it is clear that the coursing fraternity cannot be trusted to police their own events. It is surely now time to consign this cruel and shameful practice to the dustbin of history once and for all”. From a statement issued on 03 February, 2011.

In October 2010, Cieran Perry succeeded in getting a motion passed in Dublin City Council to ban the import and sale of real fur, in the jurisdiction of Dublin City.

Cllr Noeleen Reilly (Independent, Dublin City Council)
“I support a ban on this outdated and cruel tradition [bloodsports] in Ireland. There is no enjoyment for the animal in this sport.” from a tweet to ICABS, October 2015.

On 25th July 2016, Cllr Reilly presented a successful motion which banned the use of wild animals in circuses in Dublin. Speaking after the council meeting, Cllr Reilly said: “I am delighted my motion was passed. This is a cruel outdated practice that holds no place in modern Ireland. Training and torturing animals to perform tricks for our entertainment in an unnatural environment is inhuman and degrading. Not only that but animals are chained or caged for up to 24 hours a day and are only let out to perform. I want to commend all the local Authorities who have passed similar motions to date and now call on the Minister to listen to what the councils are telling him and to ban this practice from the state immediately.”

Catherine Stocker (Social Democrats, Clontarf)
“I would support a ban on all blood sports and killing of animals for decorative or recreational purposes – including hare coursing, fur farming and fox hunting. I also support a complete ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. I also favour improved animal welfare standards and harsher penalties for animal cruelty.” from an email to ICABS, 20 May 2019

Contact Dublin City Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at www.dublincity.ie/councilmeetings/mgMemberIndex.aspx

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

Wicklow County Councillors and Animal Cruelty Issues

Political Views / Councillors

The views of councillors in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact councillors and urge them to push for a ban on hunting, coursing, greyhound racing and all activities involving cruelty to animals. If councillors express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions. 

Cllr Joe Behan (Independent, Wicklow County Council)
As a TD in 2010, Joe Behan voted AGAINST the Bill which banned carted deer hunting.

Cllr Anne Ferris (Labour Party, Wicklow, Bray East)
As a TD in March 2013, Anne Ferris voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland’s worst acts of cruelty to animals – foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circus performances.

Cllr Mary Kavanagh (Independent, Wicklow County Council)
“I would support a ban on hare coursing and fox hunting. I consider these activities cause unnecessary cruelty and suffering to animals.” from an email to ICABS, September 2016.

Cllr Steven Matthews (Green Party, Wicklow County Council)
“I’m against animal cruelty in any bloodsport form.” from a tweet to ICABS, December 4th 2014.

Cllr Gerry O’Neill (Independent, Wicklow County Council)
“I am totally against both hare coursing and foxhunting. However foxhunting should not be confused with drag hunting which I have no problem with.” from an email to ICABS, July 2015.

Cllr Gerry Walsh (Fianna Fail, Wicklow County Council)
“I would not condone these types of activity [hare coursing and foxhunting].” from a text message to ICABS, December 2014.

Cllr Jennifer Whitmore (Social Democrats, Wicklow County Council)
“Short answer…Yes” – in reply to an ICABS email enquiry asking “Are you in favour of a ban on cruel hare coursing and foxhunting?” October 2014.

 Contact Wicklow County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/Your-Council/Your-Councillors/Elected-Council-Members

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

Sligo County Councillors and Animal Cruelty Issues

Political Views / Councillors

The views of councillors in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact councillors and urge them to push for a ban on hunting, coursing, greyhound racing and all activities involving cruelty to animals. If councillors express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions. 

Cllr Martin Baker (Fianna Fail, Sligo County Council, Ballymote-Tubbercurry)
“I am not in favour of a ban [on hare coursing and fox hunting].” from a text message to ICABS, December 2014. In September 2018, Cllr Baker voted against a council motion calling for a ban on fur farming.

Cllr Declan Bree (Independent, Sligo County Council, Strandhill)
“I am in favour of a ban on blood sports in Ireland. In a civilised society we should not authorise such cruel acts to occur and excuse it under a banner of ‘sport’, which it most certainly is not by any definition.” from an email to ICABS, February 2016.

“The vast majority of people find it abhorrent to torture dumb animals for a luxury product” Cllr Declan Bree during a council discussion about Ireland’s cruel fur farming. September 2018.

Cllr Marie Casserly (Independent, Sligo County Council, Drumcliff)
“I am in favour of a ban on hare coursing and foxhunting.” from an email to ICABS, August 2016.

“I am against any form of animal cruelty. There’s no reason why they can’t do a drag hunt in relation to foxhunting. In that case, they leave out a scent and the dogs follow it and it’s very popular in other countries.” from “Casserly supports ban on blood sports”, Ocean FM, September 8, 2016.

In September 2018, Cllr Marie Casserly voted in support of a council motion calling for a ban on fur farming.

Thomas Healy (Sinn Fein, Sligo County Council, Drumcliff)
“I am against all forms of cruelty to animals.” from a tweet to ICABS, April 2014.

Cllr Tom MacSharry (Fianna Fail, Sligo County Council, Strandhill)
“I have to say that as someone who grew up surrounded by animals, I am totally against all forms of animal cruelty, including bloodsports” from a text message to ICABS, December 2014.

In September 2018, Cllr MacSharry voted against a council motion calling for a ban on fur farming.

Cllr Chris MacManus (Sinn Féin , Sligo County Council, Strandhill)
“People should be ashamed to wear fur” Cllr Chris McManus, during a council discussion about Ireland’s cruel fur farming. September 2018. Cllr MacManus voted in support of a council motion calling for a ban on fur farming.

Cllr Gino O’Boyle (People Before Profit, Sligo County Council, Strandhill)
In September 2018, Cllr O’Boyle tabled a motion calling on Sligo County Council to urge Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to ban fur farms. He told the meeting that the stress of confinement in tiny cages resulted in cannibalism. He said the minks were gassed to death before being skinned. “It’s time to put an end to this cruelty,” he told members. (Sligo Champion, September 15 2018)

Cllr Joseph Queenan (Independent, Sligo County Council, Tubbercurry)
In September 2018, Cllr Queenan voted against a council motion calling for a ban on fur farming.

Contact Sligo County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at http://www.sligococo.ie/YourCouncil/CountyCouncil/CountyCouncilMembers/

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

Donegal County Councillors and Animal Cruelty Issues

Political Views / Councillors

The views of councillors in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact councillors and urge them to push for a ban on hunting, coursing, greyhound racing and all activities involving cruelty to animals. If councillors express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions. 

Cllr Gary Doherty (Sinn Fein, Donegal County Council)
“I am opposed to any form of blood sports and any activity which perpetuates undue and inhumane cruelty to animals.” from a text message to ICABS, June 2015.

Cllr Liam Doherty (Sinn Fein, Donegal County Council)
“I am in favour of a ban on hare coursing and foxhunting with dogs but I [believe] that the fox population needs to be controlled in some way preferably by shooting them which I think is the most humane way.” from a text message to ICABS, February 2015.

Cllr Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Esbuig (Independent, Donegal County Council)
“Totally opposed to bloodsports” in a call to ICABS, January 2015.

Cllr Patrick McGowan (Fianna Fail, Donegal County Council)
“Personally, I am against cruelty to any one.” from a text message to ICABS, October 2014.

Cllr John O’Donnell (Independent, Donegal County Council)
“I totally disagree with the torture that these poor animals are put through [in hare coursing and fox hunting].” from a text message to ICABS, November 2014.

 

Contact Donegal County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at http://www.donegalcoco.ie/yourcouncil/yourcouncillors/

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

Cork County Councillors and Animal Cruelty Issues

Political Views / Councillors

The views of councillors in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact councillors and urge them to push for a ban on hunting, coursing, greyhound racing and all activities involving cruelty to animals. If councillors express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Independent, Cork County Council)
“I support rural activities, particularly the hunts that are engaged in foxhunting. I don’t have an involvement myself but do give permission for my lands to be hunted.” from an email to ICABS, June 2014.

Cllr Marcia D’Alton (Independent, Cork County Council)
“Yes [I am in favour of a ban on hare coursing and foxhunting]” in a tweet to ICABS, October 2014.

Cllr Paul Hayes (Sinn Fein, Cork County Council)
“Cllr Paul Hayes said he had seen a behind-the-scenes video of the treatment of animals in circuses and described it as ‘very disturbing.'” Cllr Hayes supported an anti-circus motion tabled by Cllr Kieran McCarthy. (Source: Irish Examiner, June 10, 2014)

Cllr Kieran McCarthy (Independent, Cork County Council)
“I’m against bloodsports and I’m a supporter of well known Cobh animal rights group, ARK.” from a text message to ICABS, April 2014.

In 2014, Cllr McCarthy tabled a motion to ban circuses that use animals. “Forcing them to perform and keeping them locked up in cages is wrong,” he said. Circuses which do not use performing animals still provided good entertainment and the county council should be encouraging them instead, he suggested. “Only those should be welcome,” said Mr McCarthy. “Seven city and town councils have already passed bylaws preventing it [animal acts]. There’s no place in this day and age for using animals in circuses.” (Source: Irish Examiner, June 10, 2014)

Cllr Bernard Moynihan (Fianna Fail, Cork County Council)
In November 2018, the Irish Examiner reported that “plans to build a new reservoir to supply a drought-stricken village have been delayed by up to 18 months because of a colony of bats.” The response from Cllr Bernard Moynihan: “So bats are holding up the whole thing. Bats are now more important than the people.”

Cllr Padraig O’Sullivan (Fianna Fail, Cork County Council)
“Personally I’m not in favour of blood sports.” from a tweet to ICABS, August 2014.

Cllr Liam Quaide (Green Party, Midleton)
“I fully support a ban on fox-hunting, hare-coursing and fur farming. My Green Party colleague Mark Cronin who is running in Cork City North West has been very active in the anti-fur farming campaign. Fox-hunting and hare-coursing are perversions of what sport is meant to be about – a contest between equals or near-equals. These activities terrorise defenceless animals for the gratification of a small minority of people.” from an email to ICABS, 16 May 2019.

Contact Cork County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://www.corkcoco.ie/your-county-council/electedmembers

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