The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has said that he does not plan to prohibit the hunting of foxes in Ireland.
Responding to questions in the Dail this week, the Minister said that the lawful hunting of an animal is permitted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
“However, the Act prohibits the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition.
“In addition, Section 25 of the Act provides for the establishment of codes of practice and for the adoption of codes published by other persons for the purposes of providing practical guidance relating to any aspect of the Act, including fox hunting.”
Minister Creed said that the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association has a detailed code of conduct in place in respect of the hunting of foxes.
“This code places responsibility on member packs to ensure that the highest standards of animal welfare and good behaviour are maintained at all times.
“My Department has engaged with the hunting associations with a view to adopting codes under Section 25 of the Act in order to ensure that those who participate in hunting will continue to honour their obligations to maintain the highest standards of behaviour at all times.”
The Minister said that he is fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals and his Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of animal welfare legislation.
Under the Act, on summary conviction, a person can receive a fine of up to €10,000 and, on indictment, €250,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years.
He also said that there are fixed penalty payments for lesser offences.
“The Act provides the framework within which the welfare of animals can be safeguarded and I am hopeful that the substantial and significantly increased levels of penalties for offences of animal cruelty provided for under the Act will act as a deterrent to animal welfare abuses.
“In view of the foregoing, I do not plan to prohibit the hunting of foxes,” he said.