Gardaí and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are appealing for information after a suspected case of badger baiting in Co Limerick.
The practice involves digging holes close to badger sets to disturb and capture the animals to use them in fights with dogs.
It is an offence under the 1976 Wildlife Act.
Gardaí said they arrived at the scene yesterday - a rural location outside Croagh village - and found two large holes which had been dug in the ground.
NPWS Director General Niall Ó Donnchú said that "badgers are a protected species" and baiting is "a harmful and serious offence".
"The disturbance or interference with breeding or nesting sites of any protected mammal is an offence," he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
"Any associated activity with that disturbance or capture of a protected mammal and its persecution in such activities as badger baiting is strictly illegal".
Mr Ó Donnchú described the practice as an "indescribable cruelty to both the badger and the dog".
"It is an absolute heinous and barbaric activity that has no place in civilised society or society that cares for nature."
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the Croagh, Adare and Rathkeale areas between 1pm and 4pm yesterday, including those with camera footage, are being asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
