education

Hedgerow Cutting Ban in Force

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Hedgerow Cutting Ban in Force

HEDGEROW CUTTING BAN IN FORCE
March 1st saw the start of the Hedgerow Cutting Ban which lasts until September 1st. Under the Wildlife Acts, hedgerow cutting is banned during the period March 1st to August 31st inclusive.
This ban is legally enforced, and many prosecutions have been taken by excellent National Parks and Wildlife conservation officers charged with protecting our diminishing heritage. Burning, cutting, and grubbing vegetation during this period is also prohibited.
If you see anyone breaching the law, take photos of the incident and machinery and contact your local National Parks and Wildlife Service officer. You can also contact the Gardaí.
Tractor cutting a hedgerow with words Hedge cutting ban from March 1st to 31st August
The following are the contact details for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Eastern region:
Northern region:
Western region:
Southern region:
In Ireland, our relatively low cover of native woodland makes our hedgerows exceptionally important for biodiversity. Hedgerows provide botanical diversity as well as food and shelter for animals, most notably birds. They also act as corridors connecting habitats. Untrimmed, thorny hedges are favoured by birds, but birds may nest in any hedge.
#education

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): Empowering Compassion for Wild Cats

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Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): Empowering compassion for Wild Cats

In urban and suburban areas around the country, feral and stray cat populations have become a prominent issue.  Left unchecked, these cats can face harsh living conditions, contribute to overpopulation, and pose environmental threats.

However, there is a humane and effective solution that not only benefits the cats but also promotes a harmonious coexistence with humans. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a vital approach that addresses the challenges posed by wild cat populations while fostering empathy and responsible animal welfare.

Understanding Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)

Trap-Neuter-Return is a comprehensive and compassionate method to manage feral and stray cat populations. The process involves three essential steps:

  1. Trapping: Community volunteers and caregivers humanely trap feral and stray cats using live traps. These traps are designed to keep the cats safe and comfortable during the process.
  2. Neutering: The trapped cats are taken to veterinary clinics, where they undergo spaying or neutering. This procedure not only prevents further reproduction but also has numerous health benefits for the cats, leading to a longer and healthier life.
  3. Returning: After recovery from the surgery, the cats are returned to their original locations where they were trapped. Caregivers continue to provide them with food, water, and shelter, helping to sustain a stable and managed colony.

The Importance of TNR

  1. Humanely Reduces Overpopulation: One of the primary advantages of TNR is its impact on controlling cat overpopulation. By neutering cats, the cycle of reproduction is broken, preventing exponential growth in feral and stray populations. Traditional methods, such as euthanasia or relocation, are neither humane nor effective in the long run. TNR offers a more ethical and sustainable alternative.
  2. Health and Longevity: Neutered cats experience improved health and a decreased risk of certain diseases and injuries. Additionally, neutering reduces aggressive behaviors, minimizing the risk of cat fights and the spread of infectious diseases.
  3. Environmental Preservation: Uncontrolled feral cat populations can have detrimental effects on local wildlife and ecosystems. By curbing their numbers through TNR, we can help preserve the natural balance of the environment.
  4. Community Coexistence: TNR fosters positive relationships between cats and the communities they inhabit. Instead of viewing cats as pests, communities can embrace them as part of their surroundings, appreciating their role in controlling rodent populations.
  5. Empowering Compassion: TNR encourages compassion and responsible pet ownership within communities. Through the efforts of volunteers and caregivers, the well-being of feral and stray cats becomes a shared responsibility, promoting empathy and kindness towards all living beings.

Challenges and Solutions

While TNR is an essential approach, it is not without its challenges. Some concerns include lack of funding, resources, and cooperation from local authorities or residents. However, these challenges can be addressed through:

  1. Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the benefits of TNR is crucial to garnering support from the community. Education can dispel myths and misconceptions about feral cats and their role in the ecosystem.
  2. Collaboration: Collaboration between animal welfare organizations, local authorities, and concerned citizens is vital to implementing effective TNR programs. By working together, resources can be pooled, and efforts can be streamlined for maximum impact.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane and effective solution to manage feral and stray cat populations. By prioritizing compassion, responsible pet ownership, and community collaboration, TNR not only benefits the cats themselves but also promotes a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. Embracing TNR is not just about managing cat populations; it is about fostering empathy and kindness towards all living beings, paving the way for a more compassionate society.

Trap Neuter and return. Photo of a cat with the words did you know that a kitten as young as four months can become pregnant

Reporting Animal Cruelty

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Reporting Animal Cruely

The Agriculture, Food and the Marine now have a dedicated division for Animal Welfare and a full team dedicated to animal welfare both farm and domestic.
They have a phone/email as a direct contact for members of the public to report suspected
animal abuse, which is manned during working hours.
Call Save: 0761 064408
Phone: +353 1 607 2379
Email: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/

Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). At all other times it will divert to a recorded message and messages left will be monitored regularly.

The GPS code or Eircode will be requested of the suspected incident in order to track it efficiently and they will also ask for the phone number of the complainant. But rest assured all animal welfare reports are processed in the strictest confidence.
report animal cruelty

Hedgerow Cutting Ban in Force

by

Hedgerow Cutting Ban in Force

HEDGEROW CUTTING BAN IN FORCE
March 1st saw the start of the Hedgerow Cutting Ban which lasts until September 1st. Under the Wildlife Acts, hedgerow cutting is banned during the period March 1st to August 31st inclusive.
This ban is legally enforced, and many prosecutions have been taken by excellent National Parks and Wildlife conservation officers charged with protecting our diminishing heritage. Burning, cutting, and grubbing vegetation during this period is also prohibited.
If you see anyone breaching the law, take photos of the incident and machinery and contact your local National Parks and Wildlife Service officer. You can also contact the Gardaí.
Tractor cutting a hedgerow with words Hedge cutting ban from March 1st to 31st August
The following are the contact details for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Eastern region:
Northern region:
Western region:
Southern region:
In Ireland, our relatively low cover of native woodland makes our hedgerows exceptionally important for biodiversity. Hedgerows provide botanical diversity as well as food and shelter for animals, most notably birds. They also act as corridors connecting habitats. Untrimmed, thorny hedges are favoured by birds, but birds may nest in any hedge.
#education