South Dublin 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 Mick Duff (Independent, South Dublin County Council)
“I fully favour a complete ban on coursing and foxhunting” from a text message to ICABS, February 2015.

In 2010, Cllr Duff proposed a motion calling for a ban on the import and sale of fur which was successfully passed by South Dublin County Council. He also supported a motion to ban circuses with wild animals from public lands in South County Dublin and monitors dog pounds in the county.

Cllr Francis Duffy (Green Party, South Dublin County Council)
“I am against cruelty to animals in all contexts. I would like to see higher standards of animal welfare in farming, harsher sentences for those who commit crimes against animals in a domestic context, and an end to the farming of animals for their fur. The law as it stands is wholly inadequate in dealing with crimes against animals and, if elected [as a TD], I would support any legislation that improves standards in animal welfare.” from an email to ICABS, October 2014.

Cllr Louise Dunne (Sinn Fein, South Dublin County Council)
“I would be happy to support a motion [in favour of a ban on bloodsports].” from an email to ICABS, September 2014.

Cllr Trevor Gilligan (Fianna Fail, South Dublin County Council, Clondalkin)
“Tackling animal cruelty has been a priority for me since elected in Clondalkin in 2004. We need to look at more ways to catch offenders who harm animals, be that for money, for fun or otherwise. Only recently a small innocent dog was gravely harmed when dogs were let loose in a park. There must be a cruelty to animals register so that the public can know about people who cause cruelty to animals. I have worked with many groups in Clondalkin and outside towards tackling animal cruelty, I have put down many motions on this issue at council level and will continue to do so if re-elected in Clondalkin…I would support a ban on foxhunting and hare coursing.” from correspondence to ICABS, April 2014.

Cllr Paul Gogarty (Independent, South Dublin County Council)
Paul Gogarty is a former Green Party TD.

“Hare coursing involves cruelty to both hares and dogs and this has to stop,” he stated. “I am not anti-greyhound racing, but an industry that knowingly engages in animal cruelty for profit is not one that should be allowed operate in such a fashion.” Speaking as a Green Party TD during a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, 8th June 2006.

“If asked, the majority of people in Ireland wish to have stag hunting banned. The majority of people, including those living in rural areas, also wish to have hare coursing banned…the maths and the clout do not add up for the Green Party to ban hare coursing although we have expressed our desire to get rid of hare coursing.”

Cllr Pamela Kearns (Labour Party, South Dublin County Council)
“I am against any cruelty to animals.” from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Kieran Mahon (Solidarity, South Dublin County Council)
“I am not a supporter of this form of ‘sport’ [hare coursing and foxhunting]” from a text message to ICABS, December 2014.

Cllr Ronan McMahon (Renua, South Dublin County Council)
“Yes, I am against these cruel activities [hare coursing and fox hunting] and against cruelty to animals in general.” from a text message to ICABS, December 2014.

Cllr Guss O’Connell (Independent, South Dublin County Council)
“I fully support [animal welfare] and use any opportunity to promote it.” from an email to ICABS, April 2014.

Cllr Charlie O’Connor (Fianna Fail, South Dublin County Council)
“I took careful note of your concerns regarding hare coursing and please be assured of my interest in the matter. I am pursuing this issue on your behalf and I will do all I can to help.” Charlie O’Connor TD in a message to ICABS in July 2004.

In 2010, Charlie O’Connor TD voted in favour of the ban on carted deer hunting.

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. Charlie O’Connor was among the TDs who voted AGAINST the bill.

Cllr Dermot Richardson (Sinn Fein, South Dublin County Council)
Requested information with a view to putting forward a council motion on the issue. December 2014.

Cllr Liam Sinclair (Green Party, Tallaght Central)
“I oppose animal cruelty in all its forms. Hunting for sport and fur farming have no place in a civilised society. I will advocate for stricter laws and more severe punishments at every opportunity.” from an email to ICABS, 15 May 2019.

Cllr Francis Timmons (Independent, South Dublin County Council)
“I fully support [an end to the licensing of hare coursing]. I am against coursing.” from an email to ICABS, August 2015.

“I support a ban [on foxhunting and hare coursing] and would support and /or put a motion down calling on a ban.” from an email to ICABS, September 2014.

Cllr Joanna Tuffy (Labour Party, Lucan)
As a TD in 2010, Joanna Tuffy voted against the ban on cruel stag hunting.

“Studies carried out on the Ward Union Hunt found evidence of physiological recovery within three or four days and full recovery within ten days, and two months post hunt the hunted deer were found to be in good health.” Joanna Tuffy TD, Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages, 29 June 2010 – http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.475.0 In response, Minister Gormley stated: “I do not know what sort of information the Deputy has but one does not need to be a vet or any specialist to see that the animal in question is under severe stress. It is a domesticated animal. The vets to whom I have spoken have clearly stated that the animal is under severe stress.”

“The Labour Party opposes this legislation [ban on Ward Union deerhunt] because it is the wrong approach to maximising the protection of wildlife. It does nothing to protect wildlife but has a much more cynical motivation. It is an all-out unilateral ban on the Ward Union Hunt…People in rural communities feel under threat from this legislation and are concerned it is the thin end of the wedge.”
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20100624.xml&Ex=All&Page=9
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010

Contact South Dublin County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://www.sdcc.ie/en/services/our-council/councillors/

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

Roscommon 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 Ivan Connaughton (Independent, Roscommon County Council)
Cllr Ivan Connaughton, an Athleague-based auctioneer, issued a description for a property which included the following: “There is excellent hunting locally with the Galway Blazers, the Birmingham, East Galway and North Galway hunts.” Photos of hunters on horseback alongside a pack of hounds were included in the property brochure. Another property listing on Connaughton Auctioneers website states: “this is a fine property to come on the market holding huge potential in an area well known and regarded for outdoor activities including fishing and hunting”.

Cllr Donal Kilduff (Independent, Roscommon County Council)
“It’s genuinely worrying that the destruction of nature is at least as big a threat as climate change. We have to act to halt the loss of plants, animals and all of nature, on which we depend for food, pollination, clean water and a stable climate. This is not something that is happening far away from us, in the polar regions or in the deserts and jungles of the world – it is happening right here in Roscommon on our own doorstep. The curlew and corncrake are on the verge of extinction in our neighbourhoods, in areas which should be their natural home. The sound of the Curlew has long been a comfort to us on dark winter days and a joy to us in spring and summer in the meadows or at the bogs. Could this become a thing of the past? It already has in many areas but the National Parks and Wildlife Service are working closely with local landowners to help these birds rear their chicks so that the population can be held and hopefully recover.” (Facebook post, 8 May 2019).

Cllr Michael Mulligan (Sinn Fein, Roscommon County Council)
“With you all the way – total ban on bloodsports.” from a comment left on the ICABS Facebook page, May 2014.

Contact Roscommon County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://meetings.roscommoncoco.ie/mgCommitteeMailingList.aspx?ID=0

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

Offaly 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 John Carroll (Independent, Offaly County Council)
In May 2010, the Offaly Express quoted John Carroll as saying: “Minister Gormley is a long way removed from rural Ireland’s traditions [in his move to ban stag hunting]. First it’s stag hunting, but there will be more down the line.”

Cllr John Clendennen (Fine Gael, Offaly County Council)
“Laughil Blake & Good News – Offaly greyhounds are not just taking part in the Irish Greyhound Derby, they’re taking over!!” Tweet from Cllr John Clendennen, September 24th, 2017.

Cllr Eamon Dooley (Fianna Fail, Offaly County Council)
In October 2010, Cllr Eamon Dooley sponsored a race at Mullingar greyhound track.

Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail, Offaly County Council)
In August 2015, Cllr Fitzpatrick sponsored a race at Mullingar greyhound track.

Cllr John Foley (Independent, Offaly County Council)
In October 2010, Cllr Foley sponsored a race at Mullingar greyhound track.

Cllr Peter Ormond (Fianna Fail, Offaly County Council)
In October 2010, Cllr Ormond sponsored a race at Mullingar greyhound track.

Cllr Liam Quinn (Fine Gael, Offaly County Council)
In May 2010, the Offaly Express reported on a pro-bloodsports motion put forward by Liam Quinn. The motion called for support for the RISE hunting and hare coursing campaign.

Contact Offaly County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Your-Councils/Your-Councillors/

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

Monaghan 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 Colm Carthy (Sinn Fein, Monaghan County Council)
“I am opposed to hare coursing. I would like to see a ban on all blood sports.” from an email to ICABS, June 2015.

Cllr Sean Conlon (Sinn Fein, Monaghan County Council)
In 2012, Cllr Conlon proposed a motion in support of a ban on circuses that involve the degradation and abuse of wild animals. The motion was successfully passed at a meeting of Monaghan County Council.

“Continued use in a modern compassionate society of wild animals in circuses should be a thing of the past.” Cllr Sean Conlon, 5th September 2012.

Contact Monaghan County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://monaghan.ie/county-councillors/

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

Meath 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 Brian Fitzgerald (Independent, Meath County Council)
“Cllr Brian Fitzgerald said stag-hunting had been part of life in the county for a very long time. The object of stag-hunting was not to go out and kill the stag, he said.” from “Majority of Meath cllrs vote to reverse stag-hunting ban”, Nenagh Guardian, 11th January, 2012.

Cllr Joe Fox (Fine Gael, Meath County Council)
On his Facebook page, Cllr Joe Fox “likes” the Meath Hunt.

Cllr Wayne Harding (Fianna Fail, Meath County Council)
“I am calling on this Council to request Minister Jimmy Deenihan to reverse the ban on Stag Hunting with immediate effect as promised by both Fine Gael and Labour prior to the General Election”. The motion was proposed by Councillor Tommy Reilly and seconded by Councillor Wayne Harding. From the minutes of Meath County Council’s January 2012 meeting.

Cllr Sharon Keogan (Independent, Meath County Council)
In a Meath Hunt gallery on her Facebook page, photographs show Cllr Sharon Keoghan posing next to mounted members of Meath Hunt in 2011.

“I live and work in the countryside. I’m a lover of sports that include the use of animals including horse racing and fishing. I’m aware of the many hunting Assoc. Hard to endorse something I’ve never tried. Killed a fox once with my car. Are you the fox police?” Cllr Sharon Keogan replying to a constituent who asked “Sharon do you endorse fox and stag hunting?” (September 12th, 2018).

Cllr Nick Killian (Independent, Meath County Council)
In 2010, Nick Killian criticised Green Party efforts to ban the cruel Ward Union deerhunt. In a statement published on his website, Killian stated: “As a Fianna Fail member I am disgusted that a Fianna Fail Government is allowing Gormley and his gang of do gooders walk all over the people of Rural Ireland. Its not just the Stag hunting ban, but the Dog Breeding Bill and the banning of Turf Cutting on certain Bogs to protect a few flowers.”

In the Irish Times of 15 December 2009, Nick Killian was quoted as saying that he was “disgusted” with Fianna Fail for supporting a banning of the cruel Ward Union hunt. He made the comment at a pro-hunt meeting at Trim Castle Hotel.

At a Meath County Council meeting in December 2007, Nick Killian called on the Minister for the Environment to “make a decision on the issue of a licence to the Ward Union Hunt”.

Cllr Gerry O’Connor (Fine Gael, Meath County Council)
“I am opposed to all forms of animal cruelty. I support Minister Coveney in regards the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. I understand that people are passionate about legitimate field sports but want clear standards to protect animal welfare and ensure that these sports are carried out in a proper manner.” from a text message to ICABS, May 2014.

Cllr Tommy Reilly (Fianna Fail, Meath County Council)
“I am calling on this Council to request Minister Jimmy Deenihan to reverse the ban on Stag Hunting with immediate effect as promised by both Fine Gael and Labour prior to the General Election”. The motion was proposed by Councillor Tommy Reilly and seconded by Councillor Wayne Harding. From the minutes of Meath County Council’s January 2012 meeting.

Cllr Alan Tobin (Fine Gael, Meath County Council)
“No – I would not support [a council motion expressing support for a ban on bloodsports]” In response to correspondence from ICABS, September 2014.

“The hunt is a spectacle not to be missed…I remember as a child being brought down to Frederick St. on Stephen’s afternoon by my parents, and relatives would come to visit on that day too, they loved to see the hunt and experience the country way of life.” from a Forum newspaper article (December 2013) in which Ashbourne Chamber of Commerce President Alan Tobin reportedly said that Ashbourne would welcome the Ward Union hunt with open arms.

Contact Meath County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://www.meath.ie/council/your-council/your-elected-council/your-councillors

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

Mayo 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 Michael Kilcoyne (Independent, Mayo County Council)
“I am against blood sports and I would support a motion expressing support for a ban” from an email to ICABS, 10th September 2014.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien (Fine Gael, Mayo County Council)
A South Mayo Cllr. has again raised his concerns over illegal hare coursing in the region. Fine Gael’s Patsy O’Brien says he has been inundated with calls from farmers over the Christmas period where illegal hare coursing has been taking place on their lands. Farmers have been highlighting increasing issues with illegal hare coursing and often report feeling powerless when faced with groups of men hunting with dogs. Farmers are advised to contact gardaí immediately if they witness trespassers on their property. Cllr. O’Brien the biggest problem is that prosecution isn’t taking place when cases are brought before the courts. He feels this time of year in particular is crucial for farmers and says the farming community in South Mayo, want immediate action.” from South Mayo Councillor raises his concerns again over illegal hare coursing in the region, MidWest Radio, 29 December 2018.

Contact Mayo County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at http://www.mayococo.ie/en/YourCouncil/CountyCouncillors/CouncillorDetails/

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

Louth 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 Kevin Callan (Independent, Louth County Council)
At a meeting of Drogheda Borough Council in 2012, Cllr Callan proposed a motion to ban wild animal-act circuses from using public borough land.

Cllr Maria Doyle (Fine Gael, Louth County Council)
“I am most certainly against blood sports.” from an email to ICABS, June 2015

Cllr John McGahon (Fine Gael, Louth County Council)
“Is it acceptable to be excited about a new tie? I want to wear it while hunting in the countryside! #ascottie #ducks” Twitter, 25 December 2015.

Cllr Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail, Louth County Council)
“Litter is a scourge on our beautiful countryside. It threatens the health of bio-diversity and animal health. Most people respect our landscape and the flora and fauna that live in our countryside.” from a Facebook post, 25 March 2019.

Contact Louth County Councillors and ask them where they stand on animal cruelty issues. Find contact details at https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/louth_county_council/membership/

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