Cobh man fined for trespassing while hunting foxes in breach of Wildlife Act

The court heard that gardaí observed a large number of men spread out across two fields hunting with dogs

Dylan Scannell pleaded guilty to a charge that on March 14, 2021, not being the owner of land, he entered the land for hunting foxes without permission, contrary to the Wildlife Act. File picture

A 30-year-old man who admitted hunting on privately owned lands with dogs in contravention of the Wildlife Act was convicted and fined for the offence at Cork District Court.

Dylan Scannell of Fosters Haven, Cobh, Co Cork, appeared before Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court where he pleaded guilty to the offence, through his solicitor Joseph Cuddigan.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said that at 10.10am on March 14 at Kilboy, Riverstick, gardaí observed a large number of men spread out across two fields hunting with dogs.

“They saw three vehicles parked up on the side of the road with a dog trailer attached to each vehicle. They had at least three different dog breeds, as well as bars and a shovel,” Sgt. Davis said.

"The dogs were off-lead and hunting around the fields. The land was private property."

Scannell pleaded guilty to a charge that on March 14, 2021, not being the owner of land, he entered the land for hunting foxes without permission, contrary to the Wildlife Act. Joseph Cuddigan, solicitor, pointed out that the accused pleaded guilty to the offence.

“There would have been a time historically when farmers would have been greatly appreciative of this kind of hunting on their land but that time has passed and the Wildlife Act does not allow it,” Mr Cuddigan said.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a €400 fine on the defendant for this offence.