From deer poaching in Donegal, badger baiting in Westmeath or illegal hare coursing in Dublin, crime against wildlife is rife across the country. Profits are huge, and the chances of prosecution are slim. But that is about to change.
Mooney Goes Wild researcher John Bela Reilly and Birdwatch Ireland's Development Officer Niall Hatch asked locals in Dublin about their knowledge of wildlife crime. It's a subject relevant to us all but sadly represents big business to others...
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Deerstalker Angus Lee ending that 2012 report by Philip Bromwell for RTE’s Six One News. The efforts of those voluntary nighttime patrols are ongoing - and will soon be greatly reinforced.
An Garda Síochána has announced plans for a wildlife crime training course, equipping specially-appointed inspectors with tools to recognise and deal with this specific crime.
Superintendent Martin Walker previously led the Gardai's anti-deer poaching investigation ‘Operation Bambi’ alongside the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and he is a facilitator on the new course.
Contact the Gardai immediately if you suspect suspicious activity or possible crime against wildlife. Do so without putting yourself in danger, and providing as much information as you can.
- Words by Sinead Renshaw
For further information, visit www.wildlifecrime.ie. To read the Wildlife Act (1976), click here.
Tune into Mooney Goes Wild every Monday, 10pm-11pm on RTÉ Radio 1.
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