Issue Date: 24th January 2024
Gardaí in Newcastle West and the National Parks and Wildlife Service were alerted to an incident contrary to the Wildlife Act, 1976 at a rural location in the vicinity of Croagh village, Co. Limerick at approximately 4pm today Wednesday, 24th January 2024.
Gardaí arrived at the scene and observed two large holes which had been intentionally dug in the ground. This is believed to be a practice known as ‘Badger baiting’ - when badgers, which are a protected species in Ireland, are dug out of their sets and captured by people to be used to fight with dogs.
This is a harmful and serious offence under the Wildlife Act.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with any information regarding this incident to come forward.
In particular, they wish to speak with anyone that was in the Croagh village area or the wider Adare and Rathkeale areas during 1pm and 4pm this afternoon and who may have seen anything which resembled this or saw anything which may have drawn their attention.
Any road users who may have video camera footage (including dash-cam) from this area at this time, are asked to make it available to Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
