The Irish Society for Prevention of ruelty to Animasls publish a Legal Handbook for the benefit and information of its members, local and national animal welfare Inspectors, other animal welfare bodies in Ireland, and the Garda Siochána, who have the statutory authority over animal welfare in this country.

The 14-Chapter 40000-word Handbook is authored for the ISPCA by Carrie Jane Canniffe B.L., David Burke B.L. and Barra Faughnan B.L. The full text can be accessed at http://www.ispca.ie/legal-handbook.aspx

Chapter 14 deals with Hunting and the Protection of Wild Animals, and is set out in Q & A format, with 53 questions asked and answered. These are set out below, with acknowledgments to the ISPCA and the joint authors of the Handbook. While all species of wild animals including wild birds are covered, Deer Stalkers, shooters and hunters generally will undoubtedly find much of the information relevant and informative.
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN, ISPCA LEGAL HANDBOOK

HUNTING & THE PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE

CONTENTS

General:
Q.1 What is a protected wild animal?
Q.2 Who in accordance with the Act has the function of conserving wildlife?
Q.3 Are there any general protections in relation to wild animals give under this Act?

Wild Birds:
Q.4 What protections can be afforded to a wild bird which is not specified as being protected ?
Q.5 Is the hunting of wild birds prohibited?
Q.6 Are there any exceptions to this prohibition?
Q.7 Is it an offence to injure a wild bird in the process of hunting the animal?
Q.8 Is it an offence to wilfully remove eggs from the nest of a wild bird, or the nest itself?
Q.9 Is it an offence to destroy, injure or mutilate the nest or eggs of a wild bird?
Q.10 Is it an offence to disturb a protected wild bird on or near its nest?
Q.11 Are there any defences available to persons charged with such offences?
Q.12 Which party bears the onus of proof in relation to such defences?

Wild Animals:
Q.13 Does a wild animal which is not a protected wild animal have any protection under this section?
Q.14 Is the hunting of protected wild animals prohibited?
Q.15 What is an exempted wild animal?
Q.16 Are there any exceptions to this prohibition?
Q.17 Is it an offence to injure a wild animal while in the process of hunting it?
Q.18 Is it an offence to wilfully interfere with or destroy the breeding place of any protected wild animal?
Q.19 Are there any defences to section 23(5) available to a person charged thereunder?
Q.20 Are there any specific provisions in relation to any animals?

Hunting:
Q.21 Is it an offence to capture or humanely kill a protected wild animal?
Q.22 Are there any specific time restrictions in relation to the hunting of wild animals and wild birds in general?
Q.23 Which party bears the onus of proof in relation to defences to prosecutions under these provisions?
Q.24 What happens where a person or organisation carries out an action which falls foul of more than one of the relevant provisions – can they be prosecuted under all sections?
Q.25 Do these provisions affect hare coursing?
Q.26 Can a master of a hunting pack get a group licence?
Q.27 Can open seasons be altered or adjusted?

Firearms:
Q.28 Can a person hunt with firearms?
Q.29 What is a qualified person?

Traps, snares and other devices:
Q.30 Is it permissible to use a snare, trap or poison to hunt or capture a protected wild animal?
Q.31 Are there defences to these prohibitions?
Q.32 Is it an offence to sell traps and snares?
Q.33 What can a person do if they see a wild bird being used as a scarecrow or decoy for the purposes of hunting?
Q.34 Is it also an offence to use a stuffed wild bird for the purpose of hunting any other protected wild bird?
Q.35 Can a licence be granted to use live birds as decoys?
Q.36 Can a mechanically propelled vehicle be used for hunting protected wild birds and animals?
Q.37 Can a person hunting a protected wild bird or animal use a lamp, mirror, light torch orther artificial light, reflecting or dazzling device or appliance for the purpose of hunting?

On Private land:
Q.38 Is it an offence for a person to enter land of which they are not the owner or occupier in order to hunt wild animals or birds, with or without a firearm?
Q.39 What can I do if I see someone on my land hunting with a firearm without my permission?
Q.40 What can a person do where damage is being done to their livestock, poultry or crops, pen- reared birds, other fauna or flora, woodland forestry or fishery by protected wild birds or animals?
Q.41 Who may prosecute this offence under section 44?
Q.42 On whom does the onus of proving where unlawful entry to land is alleged?

Dealing in Wild animals:
Q.43 What can I do if I see someone selling protected wild animals or birds?
Q.44 Are there any defences to Section 45(1), which prohibits the sale of wild birds?
Q.45 Can a dealer have a wild animal or bird or bird’s nest in his possession?
Q.46 Is it an offence for a restaurant to purchase a protected wild bird or animal from a dealer?
Q.47 What defences are available to such an offence?
Q.48 Are there any specific provisions in relation to eggs?
Q.49 Is it an offence to aid or abet the commission of an offence under the Act?
Q.50 What powers do the Gardai and authorised persons (appointed by the Minister) have?
Q.51 Can a person lose possession of property as a result of a conviction under this Act?

Amendments:
Q.52 Have any orders been enacted pursuant to or affecting the Act?
Q.53 Does the 1976 Act amend other legislation?

Wildlife in Ireland is protected by a piece of legislation known as the Wildlife Act, 1976 as amended. The purpose of this legislation is the conservation of the wildlife ( flora and fauna (including game).The Act is very comprehensive and covers many specific methods of hunting an trapping an animal or bird, protecting what are known as protected wild animals and birds. .

In the main any breaches or suspected breaches of this Act should be reported to the Gardai who may take steps towards prosecuting such offences.

Q.1 What is a protected wild animal?

These are generally a type of animal that one would not expect to find on sale. Section 2 of the 1976 Act refers us to Section 23(4) for a definition of a protected wild animal. Such an animal is any animal to which this Section 23 for the time being applies. Section 23(1) refers us to the Fifth Schedule of the Act for the list of protected animals. According to the Act’s definition, a Protected Wild Animal is as follows

LAND MAMMALS Badger, Bat Species, Deer Species, Hare Species, Hedgehog, Otter, Pine Marten, Red Squirrel.

MARINE MAMMALS Dolphin species, Porpoise species, Seal species, Whale species.

AMPHIBIANS Natterjack Toad.

WILD BIRDS Section 22(3) of the Wildlife Act, 1976 refers us to the Third Schedule for a list of those birds which are not protected wild birds:-

Protected Wild Bird is any wild bird other than a Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, Greater Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Hooded (Grey) Crow, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Magpie, Pigeons (including Wood Pigeon, but not including Carrier Pigeons, Racing Homing Pigeons or Doves), Rook, Starling .

Q.2 Who in accordance with the Act has the function of conserving wildlife?

The Act stipulates that the Minister for Tourism, Fishery and Forestry is vested with the function of conserving wildlife (section 11)..

Q.3 Are there general protections in relation to wild birds and animals given under this Act?

Yes, Section 19 affords protection to wild birds and their nests and eggs (other than birds mentioned in Schedule 3 of the Act see above for the list of non-protected wild birds). Section 20 affords protection to wild animals protected by section 23 (see above for the list of protected animals.)

Q.4 Can a wild bird specified as not being a protected wild bird have specific protections?

Yes, according to Section 22(2) the Minister may specify in regulations pursuant to Section 22 that Section 22 and the protective measures therein apply equally to a non-protected wild bird as set down in Schedule 3.

Q.5 Is the hunting of protected wild birds prohibited?

Yes, in accordance with Section 22(4)(a) it is an offence to hunt a protected wild bird without a licence to do so.

Q.6 Are there any exceptions to this prohibition?

Yes, by order and pursuant to Section 24 the Minister may by order decree that certain species of wild bird may be hunted during certain time periods. These periods are known as open season on hunting certain animals. In addition if you are the holder of a licence to hunt this animal you may do so.

If a person wished to prosecute someone for an offence under section 22, it would be necessary to ensure that the hunting was not permitted by order of the Minister during the said period or that the person was not a licence holder.

Q.7 Is it an offence to injure a wild bird in the process of hunting the animal?

Yes, unless there is permission to hunt the bird either in accordance with a Section 24 order or a licence issued by the Minister, Section 22(4)(b).

Q.8 Is it an offence to wilfully remove the eggs or the nest of a wild bird ?

Yes, pursuant to Section 22(4)(c) it is an offence to tamper with a protected bird’s nest unless this is done in accordance with a licence.

Q.9 Is it an offence to destroy, injure or mutilate the nest or eggs of a protected wild bird?

Yes, this is an offence pursuant to Section 22(4)(d).

Q.10 Is it an offence to disturb a protected wild bird on or near the nest?

Yes, Section 22(4)(e) states that it is an offence to disturb a protected wild bird on or near the nest.

Q.11 Are there any defences available of which a person hoping to prosecute should be aware?

Yes, there are a number of defences open to a person under section 22(5) as amended by SI No. 397 of 1985, Regulation 3. The following are permitted by Section 22 (5) which states that it shall not be an offence for a person:-

“while engaged in ornithology wilfully to disturb a protected wild bird, or while so engaged or engaged in agriculture, fishing or forestry unintentionally to injure or kill a protected wild bird, or to remove for conservation purposes or to destroy unintentionally the eggs or nest of a protected wild bird in the ordinary course of agriculture, or (Note Section 22(5)(c) was substituted by SI No. 397 of 1985 Regulation 3. – addition of conservation).

to capture an injured or disabled protected wild bird for the purpose of killing it humanely, or with the intention of tending it and of later releasing it, or

to kill humanely a protected wild bird which has been injured in the manner described in paragraph (b) or captured in the manner described in paragraph (d) or injured in the circumstances described in paragraph (h) of this subsection.

to take birds of a protected wild bird for the purpose of having them hatched out for re-population, or reintroduction into the wild or for such purpose, to move such eggs from the nest of such a bird to that of another bird of the same species, or (Note Section 22(5)(f) was substituted by S.I. No. 397 of 1985 Regulation 3).

to destroy or remove any such nest which is built in or on an occupied building, or

while constructing a road or while carrying on any archaeological operation, building operation or work of engineering construction or while constructing or carrying on such operation or work as may be prescribed, unintentionally to kill or injure a protected wild bird or to remove for conservation purposes or to unintentionally destroy, injure or mutilate the eggs or nest of a protected wild bird.” (Note Section 22(5)(h) was substituted by S.I. No. 397 of 1985 Regulation 3).”

This last amendment to Section 22(5)(h) requires that any damage done in the process of construction be unintentional which seems to place an onus on the developers to take reasonable care and to where possible remove the eggs for conservation purposes. This onus was clearly not present under the 1976 Act as it stood.

There is also a general defence in relation to all acts carried out in pursuance of a statute or statutory instrument which might result in a breach of this section .

Another defence would be to commit the offence for the purposes of preventing a damage of the type specified in Section 42(1) from being done by the wild animals. Such an offence in such a case would become permitted according to Section 22(6) .

Q.12 In relation to the prosecution of the offences on which party is the onus of establishing the defences placed ?

The burden of proof is specifically provided for in Section 22(7) in relation to subsection 4(e) offences. It states that the prosecution need not show that the offender was not engaged in ornithology at the time of the offence as alleged. No reference is made in relation to the onus of showing that one of the exemptions applies (which includes the ornithology defence) one must then wonder whether the prosecution must prove that the Defendant does not fall within the subsection 5 exemptions in order to prove their case.

The better view it is submitted is that despite this specific reference to the first of the subsection 5 categories, the onus in relation to proving whether the defence falls within the excused categories rests with the defence and that this specific reference to the burden of proof was inserted to remove any doubt which might arise in relation to this specific provision, Section 22(4)(e).

Q.13 Does a wild animal which is not a protected wild animal have any protection under this section?

Yes, according to section 23(2) the Minister may specify in regulations that the protective measures in relation to protected wild animals contained in section 23 apply equally to non-protected wild animals. In the absence of such regulations, however, unless an animal is listed in the Fifth Schedule, it will not be protection by the Section.

Q.14 Is the hunting of protected wild animals prohibited?

Yes, in accordance with section 23(5)it is an offence to hunt a protected wild animal which is not an exempted wild mammal without a licence to do so. Further it is an offence to hunt an exempted wild mammal without a licence to do so (whether a full licence or a seasonal licence).

Q.15 What is an exempted wild mammal?

Section 2 refers us to section 25 for the definition of an exempted wild mammal. Section 25 states inter alia that an exempted wild mammal is one the subject of a Ministerial order permitting the hunting of the same for a certain specified period in a stated area. This order may limit the total amount of such animals which may be hunted and may distinguish between different species of the animal. Effectively such orders declare an open season on certain types of animals.

Q.16 Are there any exceptions to this prohibition?

Yes, by order and pursuant to section 24 the Minister may by order decree that certain species of wild birds may be hunted during certain time periods. These periods are known as open season on hunting certain animals.

In addition, if you are the holder of a licence to hunt this animal you may do so.

If a person wished to prosecute someone for an offence under section 22 it would be necessary to ensure that the hunting was not permitted by order of the Minister during the said period or that the person was not a licence holder.

Q.17 Is it an offence to injure a wild animal while in the process of hunting the animal?
Yes, unless there is permission to hunt the bird either in accordance with a section 25 order or a licence issued by the Minister, Section 23(5)(c).

Q.18 Is it an offence to willfully interfere with or destroy the breeding place of any protected wild animal?

Yes, pursuant to section 23(5)(d) it is an offence to interfere with or destroy the breeding place of a protected wild animal.

Q.19 Are there any defences to section 23(5) available of which a person hoping to prosecute should be aware?

Yes, there are a number of defences to Section 23(5) open to a person under section 23(7). According to Section 23(7) “Notwithstanding section (5) of this section, it shall not be an offence for a person –

while engaged in agriculture, fishing or forestry or in zoology or in any other scientific pursuit, unintentionally to injure or kill a protected wild animal, or
while so engaged to interfere with or destroy the breeding place of such an animal, or while constructing a road or while carrying out any archaeological operation, building operation or work of engineering construction, or while constructing or carrying on such other operation or work as may be prescribed, to kill or injure such an animal or to destroy or injure the breeding place of such an animal, or
to capture an injured or disabled wild animal for the purpose of killing it humanely, or tending it and later releasing it.
to kill humanely a protected wild animal which is either injured in the manner described in paragraph (a) of this subsection or captured in the manner described in paragraph (d) of this subsection, or so to kill a protected wild animal injured in the circumstances described in paragraph (c) of this subsection.

There is also a general defence in relation to all acts carried out in pursuance of a statute or statutory instrument which might result in a breach of this section, Section 23(7)(iv)”.

Another defence would be to commit the offence for the purposes of preventing a damage of the type specified in Section 42(1), Section 23(8). e.g. damage to agricultural crops, flora, other fauna etc..

If Section 3(3) of the Whale Fisheries Act, 1937 permits the act to be done it will not be held to have been an act in contravention of this section, Section 23(7)(iii).

Q.20 Are there specific provisions in relation to any animals?

Yes, Section 23(7) (i)(ii) makes specific provision for hares

Q.21 Is it an offence to capture or humanely kill a protected wild animal?

Yes, unless a licence is granted by the Minister for educational scientific or other purposes as specified in the licence, Section 23(6).

Q.22 Are there any specific time restrictions in relation to the hunting of wild animals and birds in general?

Yes, Section 37 states inter alia that it is an offence (subject to Section 42) to hunt a woodcock between sunrise and sunset, and any other wild bird (other than a duck or a goose) during the period one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.
Note: If the person has a licence pursuant to Sections 22(9) or 23(6) and is hunting for certain purposes they may be exempt from these restrictions, Section 37(2).

Q.23 In relation to the prosecution of the offences, on which party is the onus of establishing the defences placed ?

The burden of proof is specifically provided for in Section 23(9) in relation to subsection 7(a) where it states that the prosecution need not show that the offender was not engaged in agriculture, fishing or forestry or in zoology or in any other scientific pursuit, at the time of the offence as alleged.

It is submitted (as it was in relation to wild birds) that despite this specific reference to the first and second of the subsection 7 categories, the onus in relation to proving whether the defence falls within the excused categories remains with the defence.

Q.24 What happens where a person or organisation carries out one action which falls foul of a number of provisions of the 1976 Act and of Section 8 of the Protection of Animals Act, 1911? Can that person then be prosecuted under all sections?

If the offence falls within Section 34, Section 22 or 23 of the 1976 Act and Section 8 of the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, Section 34(7) specifically precludes conviction under all of these sections in respect of the same act. Perhaps a prosecution could be bought under all of these sections with the conviction simply reflecting one breach. It may however be preferable to choose on section which best fits the offence and run with that.

Q.25 Do these provisions affect hare coursing?

No. It will not be unlawful to kill hares by coursing at a regulated coursing match held in a specified place and during a specified time as stated in the order of the Minister in relation to hares. In addition it will not be unlawful to hunt hares using a pack of beagles or harriers within the period specified by the Ministerial order and in the stated area, Section 23(7)(i).

Q.26 Can a Master of a hunting pack get a group licence?

Yes, Sections 26 and 27 permit the licensing of hound hunting for a specified period in a specified area. The Minister may grant licences to hunt deer and otters using hounds, Section 26.

The protection of these aforementioned animals is specifically dealt with in the 1976 Act.

Q.27 Can open seasons be altered or adjusted?

Yes, the Minister may for weather reasons or any other reasons in the interests of conservation of fauna prohibit the hunting of any animal for a specified period and in a specified area where the animal is an exempted wild mammal or an animal which is the subject of a Section 24 order, Section 27.

Q.28 Can a person hunt with firearms?

Yes, if they are in possession of a firearms licence in accordance with Section 29.
Section 28 also allows hunting with firearms where the person is a qualified person.

Q.29 What is a qualified person?Section 28(2) provides that the person must be at least 16 years of age and

“ entitled to sporting rights over the land, or
is the guest, invitee, servant or agent or possesses the written authority of a person who is entitled to sporting rights over the land.
is a member of a body of persons which is entitled to sporting rights over the land or which has authority, or
is a person who is of a class or description which the Minister by regulation declares to be qualified class or description for the purposes of this section.”

Q.30 Is it permissible to use a snare or a trap or poison to hunt or capture a protected wild animal?

No, Section 34 prohibits the use of traps or snares to hunt or capture protected wild animals.

Section 34 states that subject to Section 42 a person shall not

a) hunt any wild bird or mammal by means of a trap, snare, net, line, hook, arrow, dart, spear, or similar device, instrument or missile, or bird line or any substance of a like nature, or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying bait, or
affix, place or set-

any trap, snare or net for killing or taking a wild bird or a wild mammal or,
any line, hook, or other device or instrument, calculated or likely to cause death or bodily injury to any wild bird or a wild mammal coming in contact with it,
on any tree, pole, cairn or other structure in or in the vicinity of any place frequented by wild birds or by wild mammals, or
lay any poisonous or poisoned substance or stupefying bait, being a substance or bait which is calculated or is likely to injure, or facilitate the capture of, a wild bird or a wild mammal, in or in the vicinity of any place mentioned in paragraph (b) of this subsection, or on any tree or pole, cairn or other structure in or in the vicinity of such place.”

This is a wide provision and on its face prohibits in relation to wild birds and animals what it often some of the cruelest treatment of animals; setting traps and laying poison .

Q.31 Are there defences to these prohibitions?

Yes, if the animal or bird is not a protected one this section does not apply, Section 34(2)(b).

Also if the affixing a snare or trap is done pursuant to statute or statutory instrument there is a full defence, Section 34(2).

If regulations made pursuant to the section are in force the act may be deemed to be other then an offence, Section 34(2)(a).

The Minister may grant licences to do certain things and if such a licence is issued the person may commit certain of these prohibited acts, Section 34(3)

Q.32 Is it an offence to sell traps and snares?

Yes, Section 34(6) creates the offence of selling traps and snares without a licence.

Q.33 What can a person do if they see a wild bird being used as a scarecrow or decoy for the purposes of hunting?

Such an activity should be reported as the same is an offence according to Section 35 (1).

Q.34 Is it also an offence to use a stuffed decoy wild bird for the purpose of hunting any other protected wild bird?

Yes, pursuant to Section 35 it is an offence to use such a decoy for these purposes unless the same is used for the purposes of hunting wild ducks or geese.

Note it is also an offence pursuant to Section 35(1)(d) to use electrical or other instruments to emit the sound of birds for the purposes of hunting protected wild birds unless this is used for the purposes of hunting ducks, geese or plover.

NB While these items may be used in relation to the hunting of geese and ducks there may be in existence Ministerial orders made in accordance with Section 34(5) specifically prohibiting their use in geese and duck hunting in certain areas during certain times.

Q.35 Can a licence be granted to use live birds as decoys?

Yes, the Minister may issue a licence permitting such use; however there
are strict conditions attaching to such licences in relation to the watering, feeding and confinement of such a decoy. In addition the decoy may only be used to hunt birds of the same species, Section 35(5).

Q.36 Can a mechanically propelled vehicle be used for the hunting of protected wild animals and birds?

No, unless there is a licence to use a mechanically propelled vehicle, vessel or aircraft for the hunting of a protected wild bird or animal, the same is prohibited pursuant to Section 36.

Q.37 Can a person hunting a protected wild bird or animal use a lamp, mirror, light, torch or other artificial light – reflecting or dazzling device or appliance?

No, Section 38 prohibits the use of the aforesaid unless they attach a “band, ring, tag, or other marking device to the same or are hunting for scientific or educational purposes pursuant to a licence issued by the Minister.”

Q.38 Is it an offence for a person to enter onto land of which they are not the owner or occupier in order to hunt wild animals or birds with or without a firearm?

Section 44 states that this is an offence and further states that it is an offence to shoot over such land if the same is not done with the permission of the owner.

Q.39 What can I do if I see someone on my land hunting with a firearm wild birds or animals without my permission?

The owner /occupier, the holder of a Section 29(5) licence or the holder of sporting rights has the right to request that the person who is committing a Section 44 offence and is in possession of a firearm furnish them with their name and address, Section 44(2).

Q.40 What can a person do where damage is being done to their livestock, poultry or agricultural crops (including vegetable or fruit), pen-reared birds, other fauna or flora in a woodland or forest plantation or a fishery by protected wild animals or birds?

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, the Minister may permit an authorised person to destroy the said animals, Section 42. There are a number of conditions attaching to this section.

Note also that S.I. No. 254 of 1986 affects this provision in that it permits the Minister to capture or kill any species specified in the First Schedule of the SI which:

is a threat to public health or safety,
is likely to cause serious damage to crops, livestock, fisheries or forestry,
is likely to cause damage to flora and fauna.”

This SI is enacted and takes effect notwithstanding the provisions of the Wildlife Act.

Q.41 Who may prosecute this offence under section 44?

The owner occupier of the land, and the holder of sporting rights over the land be that an individual or a person representing a sporting body holding such rights over the land, Section 44(4).

Q.42 On whom does the onus of proving that the Defendant was on the land without lawful authority lie?

Section 44(7) expressly provides that the onus of proving that the Defendant had no lawful authority to be on the land is for the prosecution. Where it is asserted that there was lawful authority the onus shifts to the Defendant.

Q.43 What can I do if I see a person selling protected wild animals or birds?

It is an offence under Section 45(1) as amended by S.I. No. 397/1985 for a non-licenced person to sell protected wild animals or birds whether dead or alive (taxidermy). The relevant authorities should therefore be contacted.

Q.44 Are there any defences to this Section 45(1) provision prohibiting the sale of wild animals that a person attempting to prosecute should be on the look out for?

Selling a protected wild animal or bird is lawful where according to Section 45(3)

“a)The sale by a person of any live specimen of a protected wild bird or protected wild animal solely for the purposes of propagating or improving the quality of such species, the sale by a person of live hares to a coursing club affiliated to the Irish Coursing Club.
the sale to a licenced wildlife dealer by a person of any protected wild bird or protected wild animal lawfully killed by him.”

These defences take into consideration that there are licences which permit the killing of a protected species and that as such a licence holder is entitled to sell his kill. There is also an exemption given to the Irish Coursing Club in relation to live hares.
Some protected wild animals and birds are endangered species or are in danger of becoming such. Therefore the legislature have given cognisance to the fact that on occasion some of these species may in fact benefit from the sale of another of their species in order to propagate their kind.

Q.45 Can a dealer have a wild animal or bird or bird’s eggs in his possession?

No according to Section 45 (2) as this constitutes an offence.

Q.46 Is it an offence for a restaurant to purchase a protected wild bird or animal from a dealer?

Yes, if the dealer has no wildlife licence to so deal, Section 45(4).

Q.47 What defences are available?

The only relevant defence open would be to show that the animals/birds were obtained lawfully, Section 45(8) as amended by S.I. No. 397/1985.

Q.48 Are there any provisions specifically in relation to eggs?

The 1976 Act has been amended by S.I. No. 397/1985 which has inserted three new subsections dealing with eggs, Section 44 (11), (12), and (13) and they provide as follows:

11 and 12 neither a licenced wildlife dealer nor an unlicenced dealer may keep for sale, purchase for resale or engage in taxidermy in respect of eggs taken from the wild of a protected wild bird. Further,

Ss. 13 A licenced wildlife dealer shall not have these eggs in his possession.
Note Sections 46, 47, 48 and 49 relate to wildlife dealer licences.

Q.49 For the purposes of the 1976 Act is it an offence to aid and abet in the commission of an offence?

Yes, anyone aiding or abetting in the commission of an offence under the 1976 Act is guilty of an offence, Section 69(1).

Q.50 What powers do the Gardai and authorised persons (appointed by the Minister) have under the Act?

Section 72 lays down the extensive powers of both the Gardai and authorised persons.

They may if they reasonably suspect a person of being guilty of a Part II (Sections 11-44) or Sections 45, 47, 51, 52, or 53 offence stop such a person at a reasonable time, require that they furnish their name and address, demand production of the flora or fauna or product and seize the same or part thereof as a specimen, Section 72(2). Further they may search any vehicle, vessel or aircraft which they reasonably suspect of being used for the transport import or export of flora or fauna or product or part thereof contrary to Sections 51, 52, or 53 and they may require that to facilitate the search the vehicle be stopped, Section 72(3) (a).

They may open and search any package/container, Section 72(3)(b).

Request that they be permitted to inspect any relevant documentation, obtain the name and address of the owner and the person operating or controlling the vehicle vessel or aircraft, Section 72(3)(c).

Inspect any relevant books or records and take copies of the same and seize and detain any relevant document where there is a reasonable suspicion that an offence is or has been committed.

For the purposes of the Act the Gardai may enter onto any land (not into buildings – This would require a warrant etc..)

Search Warrants may be obtained under Section 73 following the compliance with certain criteria. A member of the Gardai or an authorised person should place their suspicions on an information on oath which will be brought before a Peace Commissioner or a District Judge. The latter will grant a search warrant where they are satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person is in possession on any premises or other land –
“
a protected wild bird,
a protected wild animal,
the eggs of a protected wild bird,
the carcass or any other part of or any product of a protected wild bird or protected wild animal, or
any plant or part or product of a plant which is of a species to which an order under section 21 of the Act applies.”

Note : The powers as aforesaid are in addition to the Gardai’s existing powers of search and seizure, Section 72(6).

Penalties are provided for in Section 74 and they are dependent on the provision of the Act which has been breached.

Q.51 Can a person lose possession of any property as a result of being found to have committed an offence for the purposes of this Act?

Yes, where a person is convicted of an offence involving a trap or snare etc. they may by order of the court forfeit the same, Section 76. The same applies where the offence involves a firearm. The owner or other interested party has a right to be heard in relation to the forfeiture.

Q.52 Have any orders being enacted pursuant to or affecting this 1976 Act?

Yes, there have been a number of Transfers of Ministerial Functions. S.I. No. 307/1977 specifies what constitutes a trap, net and snare for the purposes of section 34 of the 1976 Act. There have also been some amendments to the Act of 1976

Q.53 Does the 1976 Act itself amend any other pieces of legislation?

Yes, Sections 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 amend a number of acts.

Firearms Act, 1925, section 3
Forestry Act 1946 Act
State Property Act, 1954
Firearms Act, 1964
Registration of Title Act, 1964 section 69
Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1965 , Sections 23-26, and Section 67 of the 1976 Act effectively reduces the remit of the 1965 Act so that it no longer applies to protected wild animals and wild birds.

Section 10 and the First Schedule of the 1976 Act repeals a number of Acts and sections therein as follows :-
Deer Protection Act, 1698
Game Act, 1787
Night Poaching Act, 1826
Poaching Prevention Act, 1862
Game Preservation Act, 1930
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1930
Forestry Act, 1946 Section 61
Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1965 Section 8

The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 has been published. Its principal purpose is to make it illegal to hunt deer with two or more dogs. The Bill provides in a new section 23A that a person, including the holder of a licence or permission granted under the Wildlife Act, who hunts deer with two or more dogs shall be guilty of an offence. It shall not be an offence for a person to hunt deer with two or more dogs, pursuant to a permission granted under section 42 of this Act, where it is a term of such permission that dogs may be used to hunt deer.

While the Bill is intended to outlaw hunting the carted stag with hounds (such as practised by the Ward Union Hunt), it may well have unintended consequences for other licensed deer hunters.

It is a requirement of the standard Coillte forestry licence that hunters must have access to a trained dog for purposes of tracking and recovering shot deer. Access to a trained dog is recommended best practice for all deer hunters under the Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP). It is unclear whether the Bill will have implications for hunters in this context.

It is understood that participating deer organisations are reviewing the implications of the Bill, if any.

The full text of the Bill is available through the following link:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Heritage/NationalParksandWildlife/RHLegislation/FileDownLoad,22746,en.pdf

HCAP-Certified Donegal Stalker Gerd Höna has produced a 54-minute DVD entitled “After the Shot“, showing the preparation of simple but delicious venison dishes from wild shot deer, which will inspire all stalkers into getting the very best from their hunting. The DVD, directed by Gerd and his HCAP-Certified wife and stalking partner Veronika, is available from Gerd and Veronika Höna, Schoolmaster’s House, Ranafast, Co. Donegal, tel. 00353 (0) 74 954 8275, email info@donberg.ie, cost (to cover post & packaging) €5.00.

The Deer Alliance has no other interest in the DVD and takes no responsibility for its contents but is happy to recommend it as a source of information and guidance on carcass handling and preparation and presentation of venison dishes.

David Dunne has produced a 75-minute DVD entitled “Deer Hunting in Ireland”, covering aspects of deer management, culling, carcass handling and preparation for the table, which should prove a useful addition to every stalker’s DVD library. David is an experienced stalker with a professional background in game handling and butchery.

The DVD is available from various outlets or can be obtained directly from David Dunne, email lenkadunne@yahoo.ie, telephone 086 357 5917. The cost of the DVD is €25.00.

A contribution is made to the Deer Alliance for every copy sold when purchasers mention the Deer Alliance. The Deer Alliance has no other interest in the DVD and takes no responsibility for its contents but is happy to recommend it as a source of information and guidance on carcass handling and preparation.

The following is the text of a notice published by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 9 March 2010.

REVIEW OF FOREST POLICY – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

In the Renewed Programme for Government, published October 2009, the Government undertook to review forest policy.

Three review groups have been established to examine (1) National Forest Policy, (2) Funding of Forestry Schemes and (3) The Role of Coillte and its Functions. The terms of reference of these groups and other background documents are available on the Department’s website, www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestryreview. Submissions are invited on all aspects of forest policy, its funding, and the role of Coillte and its functions and should be addressed to:

“Submission on Forestry Review”
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Johnstown Castle Estate
Wexford.

Or email: forestryreview@agriculture.gov.ie.

Submissions will be made available to the public on our website.

The deadline for the receipt of submissions is 31 March 2010.

The Department is also engaged in a “2020 Strategy” consultation process for the agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry sectors. Submissions for this process are welcome and should be addressed to 2020@agriculture.gov.ie before 31 March 2010.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Email: info@agriculture.gov.ie
www.agriculture.gov.ie

(end)

Note: This notice is additional to, and unrelated to, previous notice concerning Woodlands of Ireland.

Woodlands of Ireland have published a review of forestry policy, which contains recommendations in relation to management of wild deer in Ireland and which has implications for all deer hunters. The Report (Executive Summary and full Report) can be viewed at www.forestryheritagereview.com.

Deer hunters are encouraged to read the Report and as stakeholders in Irish forestry with an interest in the issue of deer management, to convey opinions to Woodlands of Ireland (www.woodlandsofireland.com), to the Heritage Council (www.heritagecouncil.ie) or to any deer society or organised body of which they are a member. Comments may also be posted here, subject to Moderator’s review.

Coillte Teoranta have circulated a notice to all deer hunting licencees regarding the illegal hunting and killing of wild deer. The full text of the Coillte Notice is set out below.
Important Notice

To: All holders of licences to hunt deer on Coillte lands
Subject: The illegal hunting and killing of wild deer
Date: January 2010

Over the last number of months there has been a significant increase in the number of reported incidents of wild deer being shot and otherwise killed on Coillte lands without authorisation. Coillte is totally opposed to this practice, which is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) 2000.

To assist us in addressing this issue, all licence holders and their nominated hunters are requested to immediately report all actual or suspected occurrences of this activity taking place on Coillte lands. Details should be reported directly to the local Forest Manager in order that they be included on the Company’s register and forwarded to the relevant authorities. Where adequate evidence exists, it is Coillte’s intention to take, or assist in taking legal proceedings against any alleged offender/s under Section 44 (subsection 4) of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) 2000.

Summary proceedings for such an offence may also be prosecuted directly by:
i) Any individual who is entitled to enjoy the sporting rights of the relevant land at the time of the alleged offence, this includes licence holders.
ii) Any secretary of a recognised body who is entitled to enjoy the sporting rights of the relevant land at the time of the alleged offence (provided that prior to the relevant time a notice was posted in a local newspaper stating that the sporting rights on these lands were reserved to that body).

Warning: Approaching persons believed to be committing an offence should only be undertaken following a careful assessment of the situation and if there is any doubt about safety, withdraw completely from the area and notify An Garda Siochana and/or National Parks and Wildlife Service.

(end)

The Irish Farmers’ Association, the Irish Deer Society and the Wild Deer Association have launched a joint deer management project aimed at providing a solution to landowners troubled by excess numbers of deer on their land. The following information is contained in the IFA Press Release annoncing the joint project:

“Following consultations between the IFA, the Irish Deer Society and the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, a Deer Management Programme is to be made available to advise and assist landowners on management of deer while maintaining the herd in a safe and sustainable environment.

IFA Deputy President Derek Deane welcomed the initiative, which has come about after detailed discussions with all stakeholders. “The dramatic rise in deer numbers in the last few years has posed problems for farmers, including fence damage, encroaching on crops, grazing of pastureland and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. All these have financial implications for farmers. IFA recognises the value of maintaining a healthy herd, but it must be within the natural environment for the deer.”

Mr Deane encouraged farmers to avail of the services that will be provided under the Management Programme. Contacts for co-ordinators approved by the Irish Deer Society will be made available to landowners who have problems with deer numbers.

The Chairman of the Irish Deer Society Paul Wood said the aim of his organisation was the conservation of wild deer. “We also recognise the need for the effective management of deer numbers. Unmanaged deer herds can increase annually by 30%. Proper management conducted during the open season should reduce the need for Section 42 licences, which allow hunting out of season.”

David Wilkinson, Chairman of IFA Countryside, said the rise in deer numbers poses a threat to roadusers and private property. “A successful Deer Management Programme will reduce the risk of accidents and preserve the deer population in their own environment.”

President of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland Pat Scully said there will be an educational element to the Management Programme. “Part of the problem is down to a lack of deer management knowledge. Hunters often concentrate on culling male deer because they want a set of trophy antlers. This does very little to control deer numbers as female numbers escalate. This approach does little for farmers or for the national deer herd.”

IDS and WDAI have established a network of regional co-ordinators (listed below).

A farmer with a deer population problem can contact his local coordinator who will advise the farmer as to the most effective approach and if necessary put
him in direct contact with a nearby qualified and experienced deer
stalker. There will be no charge or cost to the farmer. When a co-ordinator recommends a stalker to a farmer there are a number of requirements that must be
in order. The hunter must have a current firearm certificate, a current
deer hunting license, be qualified, experienced and insured. The hunter must familiarise himself with the area and be aware of any safety considerations or hazards. Qualified means, a hunter who has successfully completed the Hunter
Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) or equivalent. HCAP-Certified stalkers have passed an exam where the subjects included the Firearms Acts, Ballistics and Safety, Wildlife Act, Diseases in Deer, Management Methods and other practical subjects. The successful HCAP participant will also have passed a firearms range test. Each HCAP qualified hunter should have a certificate of qualification (as issued by HCAP Assessment Committee).

List of Deer Co-ordinators
(Drawn from Irish Deer Society and Wild Deer Association of Ireland)

Leinster:

John Flynn, Roundwood, Co. Wicklowm Tel: 086 225 7658
Simon Martin, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Tel: 087 262 1707
Pat Scully, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Tel: 086 838 1244

Ulster:

Brian Moore, Portnoo, Glenties, Co. Donegal, Tel: 087 290 5006

Munster:

Vincent Coffey, Waterford, Tel: 087 280 7563
Dominic O’Hea, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Tel: 086 812 0442
Tom Grace, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Tel: 086 252 7723

Connaught:

Michael Cunningham, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Tel: 086 127 4901
Liam O’ Shaughnessey, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Tel: 087 644 1521

________________________________________________

Code of Practice for Licensed Hunters Participating in the IDS/WDAI/IFA Deer Management Plan.

1. The aim of this management plan is to reduce the number of female deer in high density areas, therefore reducing the need for out-of-season Section 42 licences

2. The stalker must remember at all times that they are representing the Irish Deer Society or The Wild Deer Association of Ireland and are expected to have a high ethical standard whilst hunting.

3. Remember the priority target is female deer and is not an excuse to shoot trophies.

4. NO Section 42 licences for female deer will be acted on in May and June.

5. Female deer can be taken with a Section 42 after June provided that the calf is taken first.

6. All efforts should be taken to cull deer at the legal time of the year i.e. the hunting season.

7. All stalkers must have third party insurance and be HCAP or BDS level 1 standard*.

8. A DNA sample should be taken (e.g. the tip of an ear) from any deer culled. Sample kits will be supplied.

9. Make certain that there is no conflict between landowners and owners of sporting rights.

*NOTE: BDS BSC Level 1 is not recognised by Coillte Teoranta or the Deer Alliance HCAP Assessment Committee for purposes of meeting Coillte requirements in respect of hunting on Coillte forest property as Licensees or Nominated Stalkers.

Statutory Instrument No. 346 of 2008, Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 2008, signed on August 27th 2008 and published on September 2nd 2008, provides for an Open Season for Muntjac deer in Ireland.

There is now a 12-month Open Season for Muntjac, running from the 1st day of September in each year and ending on the 31st day of August in the following year.

The Order follows several reported sightings of Muntjac in the Wicklow/Wexford area and at least one verified kill.

National Parks & Wildlife Service and others are concerned that the species could spread and come to represent a serious threat to agricultural, forestry and other environmental interests, as has occurred in Britain.

MORE ABOUT MUNTJAC (MUNTIACUS REEVESI)

(Source: British Deer Society)

Recognition: Small, stocky, russet brown in summer, grey brown in winter. Long pedicles, short antlers and visible upper canines in bucks. Very large facial glands below the eyes. Ginger forehead with pronounced black lines running to the pedicles in bucks, dark U shape in does. Haunches higher than withers, giving a hunched appearance. Fairly wide tail, which is held erect when disturbed.

Adult size: Bucks (males): 10 to 18kg, 44 to 52cm at shoulder. Does (females): 9 to 16kg, 43 to 52cm at shoulder.

Antlers: Short (up to 10cm) but on long pedicles. Usually unbranched but brow tine occasionally found in old bucks.

Life span: Bucks: up to 16 years. Does: up to 19 years, but these are exceptional.

Food & feeding: Selective feeders that take small morsels from nutritious plants. Diet varies according to region and availability but may include herbs, brambles, ivy, heather, bilberry and coppice shoots.

Habitat: Deciduous or coniferous forests, preferably with a diverse understorey. Also found in scrub and over-grown gardens in urban areas.

Origins & history: Muntjac were first introduced from China to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire, England in the early 20th century. Deliberate releases and escapes from Woburn, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire lead to feral populations establishing. Their rapid spread across England and Wales has been facilitated by deliberate movement and release by humans.

Social organisation: Generally solitary or found in pairs (doe with kid or buck with doe) although pair-bonding does not occur. Bucks defend small exclusive territories against other bucks whereas does’ territories overlap with each other and with several bucks.

Vocalisation: A common name for muntjac is “barking deer” resulting from the repeated, loud bark given under a number of circumstances. An alarmed muntjac may scream whereas maternal does and kids squeak.

The rut: In contrast to all other species of deer in Britain and Ireland, muntjac do not have a defined breeding season (rut). Instead, they breed all year round and the does can conceive again within days of giving birth. Bucks may fight for access to does but remain unusually tolerant of subordinate males within their vicinity.

Breeding: Muntjac are capable of breeding at 8 months old and breed all year round. After a gestation period of 7 months the doe gives birth to a single kid and is ready to mate again within a few days.

Activity: Muntjac are active throughout the 24-hour period but make more use of open spaces during the hours of darkness in populations experiencing frequent disturbance. Peak times of activity are at dawn and dusk. After feeding long periods are spent “lying up”, which is where the deer lies down to ruminate.

Economic factors: Unlike other species of deer in Britain, muntjac do not cause significant damage to agricultural or timber crops. However, high muntjac densities may result in the prevention of coppice regeneration and the loss of some plants of conservation importance, such as primulas. Muntjac trophy hunting is only recently becoming popular and so muntjac stalking has little tradition on country and forest estates. The most significant direct economic impact that muntjac have on human interests is in collisions with cars. However, this has welfare as well as economic implications.

Below: Muntjac shot near Avoca, Co. Wicklow in 2007.
© Photograph by John Griffin.

The Wild Deer Association of Ireland supported by Coillte Teoranta, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the British Deer Society, Deer Alliance and Countryside Alliance Ireland have launched a campaign highlighting the message that “The unauthorised taking of deer (poaching) is illegal & dangerous!”. According to the WDAI, poaching has reached epidemic levels in some areas through shooting at night with spotlights (lamping), shooting outside the designated hunting seasons, snaring or trapping and in some cases coursing deer with dogs. WDAI have introduced their campaign with a dramatic and eye-catching poster which illustrates their point very strongly and which sets out advice to anyone coming across a possible poaching incident.

In a statement launching their csmpaign, WDAI say that while the word “poaching” has been for many generations associated with the illegal taking of pheasant or salmon, in terms of deer it can mean unnecessary injury or suffering to the animal, or even worse, death or injury to a person, as this illegal and dangerous activity usually involves the incorrect use of firearms, used in unsafe conditions, with little regard for the safety of others.

According to the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, poaching of deer has been on the increase in Ireland in recent years and the Association, through its nationwide membership and with the support of other organisations, aims to raise awareness and to inform members of the public of what should be done if a suspected illegal or unauthorised taking of deer is encountered.

“Deer must be culled but only under controlled conditions, to restrict damage to forestry and farmland where over-population occurs. Culling should always be carried out by a certified deerstalker such as persons certified under the Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP), which promotes high standards and best practice, with adequate insurance cover such as that provided by Countryside Alliance Ireland”.

“It is recommended where you suspect illegal hunting or taking of deer, that you contact your local Garda station or National Parks & Wild Life Service office, taking note of all relevant details such as location, date, time, vehicle registration and other details – but never approach!”

Copies of the WDAI Campaign Poster can be downloaded at www.wilddeerireland.com