We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Urban fox control

Summary

Senator Cáit Keane seeks a study, debate or legislation on growing urban fox populations and possible risks to children; other Senators make brief interventions.

I do and it is not related to the coverage. It should be the subject of some action and legislation. It concerns the fox population in urban areas in Dublin. I live in Templeogue and every street one goes down, one sees a fox. Senators are laughing, but it is a serious issue. The Mayor of London, Mr. Boris Johnson, spoke about them after a child had been attacked in its pram and lost a finger. I have seen a picture. I had three foxes in my back garden, as has had every second neighbour.

Comment on this

They must like the Senator.

Comment on this

She should put the lid on her bin.

Comment on this

I have pictures of them. I will not say we need a total cull of foxes, but there is no legislation in place. They are not a protected species, but the wildlife service has stated one needs 150,000. We have no figures for the numbers of foxes there are. Could some study be undertaken?

Comment on this

There are two of them in the gardens outside Leinster House.

Comment on this

Could we have a study undertaken or ask the Minister to come into the House to outline the position? I will not ask, as a councillor once did when we were debating the control of wild horses in Dublin, that someone go out and shoot them. I am not recommending that.

Comment on this

One needs a licence to do so.

Comment on this

Something has to be done. What can we do? Can we debate the issue? Can we have some legislation introduced? Can we have some control? It might seem funny, but it is not when one has a child in the back yard and one must keep an eye on him or her.

Comment on this

What about badgers?

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

There are a good few foxes around here also.

Comment on this