Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to organise a debate on the control of dogs and, in particular, the activity that seems to have increased in recent times of illegal hunting by a certain fraternity using lurchers. It is a practice that has become considerably prevalent in the north Clare area where there is a particularly good stock of hares because that region is known for regulated coursing. We now have individuals coming in from outside with lurchers illegally hunting hares in the dusk of morning and night, which is having a huge impact on farmed cattle in the region. I have heard of a number of cases where animals are being severely injured because of the activity of these dogs and their owners. A pet farm in the region had a lucky scape recently. Were it not for the owner being in a position to protect his animals, his business might have been wiped out. Other farmers have lost cows. These dogs and this activity is frightening the animals to the extent that they injure themselves and in some cases have to be put down. It is something that needs to be stamped out.

I would certainly welcome the opportunity to have a debate with the relevant Minister in terms of agriculture, in the first instance, and certainly from a justice perspective, on these individuals who carry on a trade. Very significant amounts of money changes hands at these events. It is one of those issues that is causing a considerable level of upset in the areas I talked about. We should try to have a debate about it in the Chamber.