Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 11340Illegal hunting (Wildlife Act) · Co. Offaly

Two people caught illegally hunting hares in West Offaly

Laois Offaly Gardaí say two people were caught illegally hunting wild hares in West Offaly, County Offaly, by Ferbane Garda, and the incident date was given only as 'recently'. The two people's age, sex and nationality are not stated. Items were seized, and Gardaí say a prosecution is pending and that they are engaging with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. A Leinster Express report published on 27 January 2026 has a headline saying three men appear in court, but its text says only that a prosecution is pending, so a court appearance is not confirmed. No charge, court date or sentence has been reported.

  1. Reported27 Jan
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Gardaí say two people were caught illegally hunting wild hares.
Where
The two people were caught in West Offaly by Ferbane Garda.
When
The incident date is not given; Gardaí said the catch happened recently, and the report was published on 27 January 2026.
Other details
  • The offence is recorded as illegal hunting under the Wildlife Act.
  • The age, sex and nationality of the two people are not stated.
  • Gardaí issued an online warning that hunting requires the permission of the landowner or occupier.
  • The information comes from a Laois Offaly Gardaí online post, reported by Leinster Express on 27 January 2026.
Investigation
  • Items were seized in connection with the hunting.
  • Gardaí are in ongoing engagement with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Charges
Gardaí say a prosecution is pending and will follow; no charge has been reported.
In court
The headline says three men appear in court accused of hunting wild hares, but the article text says only that a prosecution is pending, so a court appearance is not confirmed.
Sentence
No sentence has been reported.
5 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí say two people were caught illegally hunting wild hares. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe two people were caught in West Offaly by Ferbane Garda. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationItems were seized from the hunting. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said a prosecution will follow. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe headline states that three men appear in court accused of hunting wild hares in the Midlands. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Jan2026
    Reportedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Laois Offaly Gardaí catch illegal hunters

    Based on a Laois Offaly Gardaí online post. The headline refers to three men appearing in court, but the body says only that a prosecution is pending.

    suspectsuspect