2497. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the blocking of fox earths, an integral part of fox hunting is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, given that such blocking can result in foxes being buried alive and/or prevent vixens from reaching their cubs leading to the starvation and death of the cubs. [55246/26]

On the general matter of hunting, a detailed debate was held during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dáil decided to allow the continuation of fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate code of conduct. On 28th May 2025, a Private Members Bill to ban fox hunting was introduced. It proceeded to a second stage reading on 17th December 2025, where it was opposed.

Section 25 of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 allows for the establishment of codes of practice and for the adoption of codes published by other persons for the purposes of providing practical guidance relating to any aspect of the Act, including fox hunting. Voluntary codes of practice have been established by the Hunting Association of Ireland which detail the conduct to be adhered to in respect of the hunting of foxes and the treatment of the animal during the hunt. The code also considers local concerns and the concerns of the landowner(s) on whose land hunting takes place.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.

Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie