2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Animals rights group want protection of foxes after ‘grotesque act of cruelty'
Gardaí are still investigating an incident of animal cruelty which has led to outrage among the public over the chilling nature of the cruelty involved.
The AOHS called it a grotesque act of cruelty that is testament to the abject failure of current Irish wildlife legislation to protect native animals.
It said the 'horrific display' of cruelty in which a decapitated fox was publicly exhibited with its body suspended by rope is not an isolated incident.
It also contests the current 1976 Wildlife Act as it offers no meaningful defence against barbaric acts and empowers those with a 'depraved disregard' for animal welfare.
'It is a direct consequence of a legal vacuum that effectively designates the fox as "fair game" for those who revel in inflicting torture and death upon Ireland's only wild dog,' said John Tierney, Campaigns Director for the AOHS.
'This wasn't merely an evil act; it was a defiant exhibition of cruelty, enabled by laws that offer foxes zero protection. It plumbs the depths of animal abuse and highlights the urgent, undeniable need for legislative change. How many more innocent fox hunting lives must be subjected to such atrocities before the Irish government acts?' Mr Tierney added.
He said the AOHS 'unequivocally demands' immediate and comprehensive action and a complete ban on all forms of fox hunting while calling for the 'unequivocal inclusion' of the fox under the full protective umbrella of the 1976 Wildlife Act.
'The time for inaction is over. The public outrage generated by this barbaric act must be the catalyst for genuine reform,' Mr Tierney said.
