Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today announced a plan to renew special protection measures for Irish Hares.
Under the proposal, there would be a temporary ban on the killing, taking, sale or purchase of Irish Hares.
The measure would see a special protection order introduced under the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928, for the period 1 November 2008 to 31 March 2009.
The Minister said: “I am satisfied that indicators about the numbers of Irish Hare in Northern Ireland arising from this years survey suggest that there is a need for continued temporary protection until there is greater assurance about the stability and sustainability of the population. Therefore I am proposing that a new Special Protection Order should be made.”
Notes to Editors:
- Results of the 2008 Irish Hare survey
- Section 7C(1) of the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928, provides that, where the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to provide special protection for any kind of game, he may by order prohibit the killing or taking, or the sale or purchase, of any game prescribed by the order, during such period not exceeding one year as shall be prescribed by the order.
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