Gardaí have confirmed an investigation is underway into an alleged case of illegal hunting in Co. Offaly.

In a social media post, Offaly gardaí confirmed that officers in Ferbane "recently caught two individuals illegally hunting hares in west Offaly".

The post added that items had been seized and prosecution was "pending".

Gardaí noted that there is "ongoing engagement with our partners in National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS)".

In a statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told Agriland: "Gardaí on patrol responded to an incident at Cloghan, Co. Offaly at approximately 11:45p.m on Wednesday, January 14, 2026".

"A dead hare was recovered. Investigations ongoing," the added.

Illegal hunting

Meanwhile, gardaí and the NPWS carried out a joint operation over the weekend to target illegal hunting in Co. Kildare.

The operation was carried out on Sunday (January 25) in response to ongoing reports of unlawful hunting, trespass, and the illegal targeting of protected wildlife, which is contrary to the Wildlife Acts.

According to gardaí, the operation focused on rural and farming communities most impacted by this activity.

A number of high-visibility checkpoints were established by community gardaí across mid and south Kildare, alongside joint patrols.

Anyone with information in relation to illegal hunting is encouraged to contact their local garda station.