Rabbit hunters urged to seek farmers’ permission before going on land

Night hunters, or lampers, pursuing rabbits and hares have been urged to seek farmers’ permission following complaints about risks to livestock and, furthermore, amid rising fears of rural burglaries.

Up to eight men from Cork City found in a farmyard in East Cork at 3am had claimed they were “looking for a dog”.

A joint policing committee meeting in Waterford recently heard 17 complaints had been lodged with gardai in the Tramore region over a six-week period. Most of the concern was about risks to livestock and the strong lights use by lampers.