tically hunted and exterminated over the last eight years.
Some people estimate that up to 20,000 have been slaughtered. This has been done under a state-sponsored scheme, despite the fact that the most recent scientific evidence suggests that the badgers are not the ones who are primarily responsible for the spread of Tuberculosis (TB) in livestock.
It would appear that after five to six centuries the methods have changed, the weapons have changed and even the animal has changed, but attitudes to native Irish wildlife have not?
the treatment of wolves and the rest of our native animals is once again a shameful and embarrassing tale. As usual, unless we could break the animal's spirit(dogs) we could do nothing but demonise a creature that was far nobler and more gracious than ourselves.
Posted by: aoife at June 26, 2003 9:19 PM
If there were never wolves in Ireland, then why were famous people named for them, and why was a dog bred to hunt them? And why so much ART that depicts them?
Were there ever wolves in Ireland. Definately. Bears? FORESTS? History records there were dense forests in Ireland--filled with all manner of wild animals. Since modern folk don't read the histories, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes...again.
Posted by: Dani at August 20, 2003 1:39 AM
Very interesting and very true. The same level of ignorance applies to the many sharks which roam our waters.
Posted by: Diogenes at October 16, 2003 7:18 AM
With my love of wolves, it's a little sickening for me to read that one of my ancestors (Cromwell) did something like that. I guess it was the times though. Back then people tended to think in terms of "Kill what you don't understand, unless you can subjigate it." It kinda sucks.
Posted by: Texascarnieroadshow at October 30, 2003 11:47 AM
Just one comment, In 1652 Cromwell gave orders that WOLFHOUNDS were not to be exported from the Ireland, not wolves.
Posted by: Tim Hodkinson at November 7, 2003 2:58 PM
Wolves are so cool. They rock the world. Especially Werewolves!
Posted by: Laura at February 4, 2004 7:07 PM
Wolves are so cool. They rock the world. Especially Werewolves!
Posted by: Laura at February 4, 2004 7:07 PM
Just found this site and wanted to let all Wolf lovers know that there are wolves in Ireland! I walk one every day I'm off. Anyone interested can email me at email@example.com and if you'd like to meet him or walk with him we can arrange it. It's great to see such nice comments about wolves, they really are very special. I am constantly asked "what breed of dog is he" and when I say he's a Wolf most people are taken back. When they pet him and see how gentle and caring he is they are stunned. We've all grown up with the stories about the big bad Wolf so it's easy to see where peoples fear of Wolves originates, but they are fairytales. Wolves are not viscious, they do not attack humans, they don't bite or growl for no reason. Wolves are intelligent, caring animals. Their social structures are very similar to humans. In fact Wolves are more like humans when it comes to social structures than apes or chimps are. I can guarantee if you spend some time with them your life will change. We have so much to learn from Wolves, from all animals but sometimes we're too arrogant and stupid. Take care. Adrian
Posted by: Adrian at March 24, 2004 9:32 PM
Excellent article. What a pity more people do not take an interest in this wonderful animal. Having only recently being introduced to a real live wolf, yes here in Ireland, i have been converted. For those who haven't had this experience you should make every effort. One sentence in the artile sums up this wonderful animal i.e. Wolves are beautiful, graceful and obviously intelligent. Many thanks to my two new found friend A & F and indeed to the writer of this article for opening my eyes.
Posted by: Ger at March 28, 2004 10:38 AM
I was once told that Ireland had no Wolves. Somehow this rang false with me. Yours is the first source I have found that confirmed my belief that the homeland once possesed the mighty Wolf. I follow a form of Animism, and 