Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has urged the Government to establish a dedicated wildlife crime unit within An Garda Síochána.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on biodiversity, said:
“A report published today by the Journal Investigates shines disturbing new light on the extent of Ireland’s underground wildlife trade. Detailing unspeakable acts of cruelty, it highlights how foxes, hares and rabbits are being snared and sold as live bait by those involved in illegal hunting networks.
“Even badgers – an endangered species protected under the Wildlife Act – are being sold on the black market.
“Incredibly, many of those caught and prosecuted are receiving sentences under the Probation Act and escaping without a criminal conviction.
“In 2020, Minister Malcolm Noonan announced the establishment of a wildlife crime unit within the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). However, plans for a dedicated unit did not proceed and wildlife crime was placed under a new Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection Directorate.
“While this has resulted in some improvements in terms of resources, I do not believe that it should just fall on rangers within the NPWS to deal with wildlife crime.
“Ireland needs to look to the UK model, where wildlife crime is dealt with within the police force.
“Those involved in the despicable wildlife trade are serious criminals and need to be treated as such.
“I am therefore renewing my previous calls for a properly resourced wildlife crime unit to be established within An Garda Síochána.”
October 3, 2024