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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
David Kent

Gardai issue special gun warning and target illegal activity in west of Ireland

Gardai in the west of Ireland have sent out a special warning to people over committing an illegal activity.

Ireland is known worldwide for some of its wildlife, with otters, stoats and red squirrels among the beautiful animals you could spot roaming around our fields and waterways on a given day.

A sighting of those might be rare, but a more common animal you'll see running about the place (literally) is the hare.

READ MORE: Irish vet warns dog owners that five breeds are more likely to get heat stroke

The Irish hare is widespread throughout the country and is found in habitats as far ranging as coastal dunes to mountain tops - but they are often hunted.

And this is what Gardai in Galway focused on recently.

A spokesperson explained: "Gardai in Clifden along with officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service recently conducted a number of proactive patrols in the North Connemara area to deter breaches of the Wildlife Act, with particular focus on the illegal hunting of Hares."

The Irish hare can only be captured, tagged or killed under licence.

Separately, officers attached to the divisions in Laois and Offaly issued a gun warning - asking holders of firearms to ensure they follow all the regulations.

Hare coursing in Ireland. (IRISH LEAGUE AGAINST BLOOD SPORTS)

A spokesperson stated on social media: "A message for all Firearm Certificate Holders in Laois/Offaly Division:

"Please ensure that you renew your firearm certificate promptly if it is up for renewal.

Each current holder of a firearm certificate should receive a Firearm Renewal Certificate in the post approximately 3 months prior to the expiry of their current certificate. If you delay in submitting the form to your local Garda Station until too close to the deadline, by the time the application is processed and you receive the new certificate in the post it may be past the expiry date of your current certificate.

"If this occurs, you will be deemed to have an illegally held firearm until such time as the new certificate arrives to you in the post."

Gardaí are calling to license holders who have failed to renew their licences and Gardaí can seize firearms where the owner had failed to renew.

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