Farmers threatened by illegal hare hunters in North Tipp and Offaly
Hare numbers are 'being decimated' by men with lurchers
A NUMBER of farmers have been seriously threatened by illegal hare hunters operating in the North Tipp and Offaly area during recent weeks.
The problem is a serious and growing one, with many farmers saying they have witnessed trespass on their land by these hunters.
A local farmer in the Carrig area, speaking to The Midland Tribune on condition of anonymity, said he has heard of farmers being affected by the problem in the Shinrone, Ballingarry, Aglish, Borrisokane and Ferbane areas.
"The source of the problem is a group of people living in South Offaly who are encouraging hunters to come and visit their area to hunt hares with lurchers. They are coming from South Tipperary, from Meath. In all instances they have no permission to hunt and they are trespassing."
The activity happens during daylight hours and the culprits are using expensive equipment which gives them the ability to spot hares in the fields and woods using pulsar thermal imaging. "Then they hop over a gate with their lurchers and hunt away," said the Carrig farmer. "They are often successful. The numbers of hares are being decimated."
He said he confronted three men last week, who had five lurchers, and told them they were trespassing on his land. "They became very abusive and threatening, in such a way that you would be concerned for your own safety. Another group recently picked up a steel bar and threatened a local farmer. The Guards are doing their best, as is the local NPWS Conservation Ranger."
The culprits are clearly identifiable because they regularly put photos of themselves, their dogs and the dead quarry on Facebook.
The Gardaí are advising members of the public to not directly confront these men, but call 999 or 112 instead.