Huge problems with "people hunting rabbits with lurchers" in Laois

Concerns were raised at a policing meeting over the hunting of rabbits with dogs near the Rock of Dunamase. 

Tom Jones told the Laois Joint Policing Committee meeting that the gardai had been called out following the incident last weekend. 

“We have huge problems out around the Rock of Dunamase with people hunting rabbits with lurchers,” he told the meeting.  

“We had two vehicles out around that area last weekend and farmers approached the individuals concerned and were politely told to F off,” he remarked. 

Mr  Jones said something should be done to end the practice.  

“It is the lambing season and also hedges, fences and everything else are broken down. It is unreasonable for farmers to be held liable if for example these people got injured while they are on the farmers property,” he remarked. 

Admitted public order offence after 'shouting match" in Portlaoise courthouse

He said while the guards had been out, something needs to be done to tackle the issue.