Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae is hoping for the government to “use common sense for once” and allow pheasant shooting to go ahead.
The pheasant shooting season would have begun yesterday (Sunday, November 1) however, under Level 5 restrictions, recreational hunting does not fall under any of the exemptions allowed for exercise or sporting events.
According to deputy Healy-Rae, the government has “unfortunately, yet again, needlessly stopped” the shooting season beginning.
He said in a statement online: “In many instances this practice can be done outside of groups, on an individual basis, within the 5km limit and is a great past time for many whose mental health will now be severely impacted by this blow,” the deputy says.
I will be seeking that the government would allow this to go ahead and to use their common sense for once, something that seems to have been lost throughout this pandemic.
Meanwhile, representatives of Aontú have condemned the “latest attacks on rural Ireland”.
Representative for the Trim area Jack Lynch said that the heart of rural communities is “being ripped out with Covid-19 restrictions that do not help stop the spread of the virus”.
“Country sports such as hunting and fishing have been banned and churches have been forced to keep their doors shut without considering the devastating impact that this is having on small rural communities around the country,” he says.
“I cannot think of a more socially distanced place to be than down the fields with your dog watching her work as she catches the scent of a pheasant.
You are totally isolated from the world and even if two people are hunting together, they are out in the fresh air and can put as many acres between each other as is needed.
“People all across rural Ireland look forward all year to the three-month period during the winter months when they can get out with their dog and hunt game birds.
“In the darkest months of the year, this is a vital way of looking after people’s mental health. The joy of seeing your dog in the field is something that’s hard to describe.
“While we support the fact that the GAA [is] still operating at a county level, I cannot see how the mostly solitary pursuit of hunting and fishing are banned. This is another senseless attack on country sports.”
Statement from an Garda Síochána
Last week, An Garda Síochána released a statement on the matter:
“This normally involves shooting club members travelling to pheasant shoots around the country, frequently in groups, and is regarded as sport shooting.
Under the current regulations, sporting events must be organised under the structure/licence of a national governing body, funded by Sport Ireland. As such, sport shooting is prohibited in any other circumstances.
“Recreational hunting does not fall under any of the exemptions allowed for exercise or sporting events. It has also been clarified that recreational hunting does not come under any permissible exemptions for travel outside of the home.
“Shooting of vermin [rats/foxes/crows] is permissible as an essential support service to the farming and agriculture profession.”