Laois Hunt defends fox hunting after criticism by local animal rescuer

Laois Hunt has defended their fox hunting tradition, following local criticism of their St Stephen’s Day hunt in Abbeyleix.

On December 26, horses, hounds and riders gather before a hunt on Main street Abbeyleix for hot toddies, enjoyed by many spectators, with photos of the event published by the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

This year Laois wildlife volunteer and artist Rebecca Deegan has condemned both the hunt and the publication of photos, in a statement to the Leinster Express.

She describes it as “extremely distressing to see the celebration of the murder of these animals, which we work so hard to care for”.

A fox receiving veterinary care by Kildare Wildlife Rescue.

The photos also received criticism on social media from locals. One asks “why in this day and age are such barbaric things still being done.... disgusting”. Another commenter said “an outdated colonial despicable so called sport, shame on all involved.”

In her statement, Ms Deegan expressed her upset.

“I am writing to express my concern about the recent coverage of the organised display of torture and murder of our Irish wildlife.

“I volunteer with Kildare Wildlife Rescue who rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, returning them to their natural habitats for a second chance to thrive in the wild.

“It is extremely distressing to see the celebration of the murder of these animals, which we work so hard to care for all year round.

“Whether or not something is legal, it is cruel to take the life of an animal for enjoyment and pageantry, and to traumatise them in their last moments. We are all responsible for protecting and upholding the welfare of all living creatures on this island.

“It is unjust to portray Irish wildlife as something unimportant that can be needlessly killed for the entertainment of a tiny minority of humans. Journalism should never be used to encourage the harm or exploitation of animals.

“As a newspaper with a huge audience and influence, what the Leinster Express publishes really does matter,” Ms Deegan said.

Laois Hunt is in existence for 200 years. Ballacolla farmer David Lalor is Master for 35 years. He said that they hunt twice weekly from November to March, and that he respects wildlife.

“Fair play to wildlife volunteers, they are doing a good job and I respect their views. I’m a farmer. A lot of the hunters are farmers. We respect wildlife, we know it needs to be controlled more.

“The small number of foxes we do manage to catch is miniscule compared to what’s out there. Often what we catch are the wounded foxes, or ones with mange.

“Very few healthy foxes get caught. We’d say we do a service to the countryside as well.

“This is a very long tradition going on for generations, it’s nearly a heritage sport.

“I love animals as much as the next man. Nobody has the right to tell me I don’t. I’d never shoot a fox. I’d risk my own life to avoid a fox on the road. I’d lose a certain amount of sheep and lambs to foxes and I realise that the fox has to live as well. They are hunting to eat.

“We have a big problem with crows now too, nobody is allowed to shoot them.

“We look forward to the St Stephen’s Day hunt every year and the crowds that come look forward to it too.

“A lot of kids go out with us too and not once do they look at their mobile phones.

“Hunting is extremely well regulated now in Ireland. The fox has to be hunted in it’s natural state. The day of catching one and letting it off is gone. We have to find them. Catching the fox isn’t the object of the exercise, it’s seeing how the hounds work, they are bred for this for generations,” Mr Lalor said.

Ray Shore, chair of Laois Hunt says it has “tremendous support throughout Laois and a wide range of members from all walks of life”.

"The Laois Hunt was formed more than two hundred years ago and has been hunting County Laois and parts of North Kilkenny since then. On  behalf of the Laois Hunt I’d like to thank our Farmers and landowners for their continued good will towards the hunt . We have tremendous support throughout the county and a wide range of members from all walks of life .

“Every year we hold our famous St Stephen’s Day meet in Abbeyleix where people from all over the county traditionally come to see us off. We appreciate the good will of the residents of Abbeyleix and congratulate the Abbeyleix tidy towns committee on their recent success,” he said.

See Kildare Wildlife Rescue on www.kwr.ie