Man admits hunting with lurcher dogs in Laois

A man admitted worrying livestock while hunting with a lurcher dog on lands in Laois. 

Myles Harty, 20, of 2 Woodlands Park, Canal Road, Portarlington admitted worrying livestock and hunting with dogs at Bishopswood, Portarlington on December 15, 2022. 

He was summoned to court under Section 9 of the Control of Dogs Act and Section 44 of the Wildlife Act. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he had a very detailed report in relation to the incident. 

He said gardai had responded to reports of “a number of young men including this young man with lurcher dogs at farmland” at 10.10pm on the date in question.  Gardai attended the scene and the dogs were seized.

“There was a complaint from landowners that they were worrying livestock,” he explained. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant had no previous convictions. He said other individuals who were present were dealt with under the juvenile liaison scheme. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick gave Judge Cephas Power two medical certificates relating to her client. She said they did not excuse the behaviour. 

Judge Power noted “he was hunting animals with a dog” and he asked what kind of animals were being hunted. 

“Rabbits, I think, Judge,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

She said that although her client was 20 years of age, he would have a learning ability of a much younger age. She said he had brought €200 to court. 

“The other boys that were with him were younger,” she said. 

“I also have a letter of apology that he wrote back on the 5th of October,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

“I would ask you to view it as an early plea,” she continued. 

She said her client was being supported in court by his mother. 

“The fact that the dog was seized was a huge penalty to the accused,” she said. 

“I think there was an apology tendered by a parent who came to the scene,” Ms Fitzpatrick added. 

Judge Power asked whether any animals had been hurt during the hunt. 

Sgt Kirby said no animals had been hurt but there were two bulls in the field at the time. 

Judge Power convicted the man under Section 9 of the Control of Dogs Act and took the second offence into consideration. 

He ordered that “€200 be paid to the Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(LSPCA)”  He bound the defendant to the peace for 12 months.  

Judge Power said he would have treated the case differently had any animals being hurt during the incident.