Wildlife Crime Information

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Wildlife Crime in Ireland

Learn about wildlife crime in Ireland, its impact on biodiversity, and the collective action needed to prevent it

Understanding Wildlife Crime

Wildlife crime is any act that contravenes current legislation governing the protection of wild animals and plants.

Any person who hunts kills takes or is in possession of a protected wild animal, wild bird or a specimen of protected wild flora otherwise than under and in accordance with a licence shall be guilty of an offence.

The two principal pieces of national legislation protecting wildlife are the Wildlife Acts, 1976 to 2023 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, which transposes the E.U. Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive into Irish law.
Both of those statutes are administered by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht through the National Parks and Wildlife Service of that Department.

Read more on www.wildlifecrime.ie

Ireland’s Hub for Wildlife Crime Information

Wildlife Crime Ireland aims:
Basic information on wildlife crime
PAW Ireland involvement
Advice on Recognising & Recording a wildlife crime
Contact details for Reporting a wildlife crime

Read more on www.wildlifecrime.ie

Working Together to Combat Wildlife Crime

PAW Ireland brings together statutory agencies, non-statutory agencies and interested parties with the common goal of combating wildlife crime through publicity, education and campaigning.

PAW Ireland objectives – to;

  • Raise awareness of wildlife legislation and the impacts of wildlife crime;
  • Provide a forum to facilitate the exchange of information & expertise on wildlife enforcement;
  • Help and advise on wildlife crime and regulatory issues;
  • Raise the profile of wildlife crime within the judiciary & statutory agencies;
  • Promote the use of forensic technologies to combat wildlife crime;
  • Make sure wildlife crime is tackled effectively

 

Find out more or apply to join PAW at  www.wildlifecrime.ie/paw

Our Future Depends on Theirs

Wildlife crime is a widespread issue that poses a serious threat to Ireland’s biodiversity and the sustainable future of countless communities. It includes the illegal killing, trapping, trade, and disturbance of protected species — actions that destroy fragile ecosystems and undermine years of conservation work.

These crimes not only cause suffering to individual animals but also disrupt entire populations, pushing some species closer to extinction. The loss of biodiversity affects everyone, weakening the natural systems that support clean water, fertile soils, pollination, and climate balance.

By caring about wildlife crime, we defend the integrity of our natural heritage and ensure that Ireland’s wildlife can thrive for generations to come.

How You Can Help Stop Wildlife Crime

 

Recognise, Record & Report
If you suspect a wildlife crime is or has taken place – REPORT IT

Follow up on your report
You cared enough to report it; make a follow up call

Write to your local TD or Minister
Push for more resources to be provided to agencies working to combat wildlife crime
Minister and TDs

Raise awareness
Distribute wildlife crime flyers to schools and libraries or other public events and places. Contact WRI at here and we will post to you. 

Do not import foreign species
Report sightings of non-native species
Invasive Species Ireland

Safely dispose of toxic substances
Take extreme care if using rodenticides- rat poisons, lawn chemicals, or other pesticide products
Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use

Buy only environmentally friendly souvenirs when travelling
Demand for illegal products made from endangered species fuels wildlife crime
WWW Good Nature Travel

Travel sustainably
When local communities benefit from tourism, they have the incentive to protect their natural resources
Sustainable Travel International

Join a local wildlife group

Here’s How to Report a Suspicious Incident

PAW Ireland App

The New PAW Ireland Wildlife Crime Reporting App is free to download on Apple or Android smartphones. The app helps minimise cruelty, torture, maiming and killing of innocent wildlife by allowing users to:

  • Record and report suspected wildlife crime at the scene or afterwards if preferred
  • Report potential wildlife crime directly to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
  • Access simple guidelines on what to do and what not to do at a wildlife crime scene
  • Complete an on-screen form to record a suspected wildlife crime.

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