Fined €2,000 for hunting on County Kildare land without owner's permission

A County Laois man was fined €2,000 for hunting wild animals on a County Kildare land without the owner's permission.

Judge Desmond Zaidan convicted Edward Butler, with an address listed as 12 Lake Glen, Portlaoise, County Laois, in his absence when he presided over the 31-year-old's Naas District Court on Thursday, September 12 last.

It was heard that on December 13, 2019, Mr Butler was joined by three other males (whose identities were not disclosed before the court) and some lurcher dogs when he went onto the land for the purpose of hunting wild animals.

The land in question is located in Maddenstown, The Curragh.

Commenting on the charge against his client, defending solicitor Cairbre Finan said: "There is some contention over whether or not this land is actually public land."

In response, Judge Zaidan said: "If he [Mr Butler] passionately believes that it is public land, then he should be here."

"I have been very tolerant with him," the judge added.

Judge Zaidan ultimately decided to impose a €2,000 fine on Mr Butler, which is to be paid within three months.