Furious pet owner claims hunt hounds killed cat

A RURAL Co Limerick resident is furious after hunt hounds allegedly attacked a family pet.

Pet owners have appealed to members of the Limerick Harriers to sound their hunting horns when they approach, so domestic pets can be placed in safe keeping.

The appeal came after a reported incident, when hounds reportedly chased off after cats, finding them easier prey than foxes.

Mary Cooke, who lives at Ballyclough, said her pet cat, Amy, died after being attacked on St Stephen’s Day by hounds attached to a hunt. The cat was 13 years old and could not move very fast as it had lost the use of two legs.

She said: “I am very upset. The hounds went into a private garden. The cat was very old and could not run. I am hardly able to sleep at night thinking about it. It is revolting.”

She said neighbours witnessed a hound killing her cat.

Ms Cooke called on the Limerick Harriers to give clear notice prior to the hunt so that people can take measures to protect domestic pets.

“There are a lot of new houses in the area,” she said.

Joint master of the Limerick Harriers John McNamara said a hound would never follow a cat.

He said: “I believe that cat was dying or dead and one of the hounds picked it up. We meet cats all the time and the hounds would never follow a cat. But they would pick up something they saw on the ground. This has never happened before and I can’t explain it. The cat had no visible injuries.”

He said the hounds are very friendly and the harriers had apologised to the cat owner over the incident.

Mr McNamara said farmers are advised in advance of a hunt, but it would be impossible to inform every household in an area.