The animal welfare legislation, which has sparked furious rows in the Dail over recent weeks, was narrowly pushed through by a majority of 75 to 71 votes.

Fianna Fail's Mattie McGrath initially voted against the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 during an electronic ballot before abstaining when a second "walk-through" poll was called.

Government chief whip John Curran confirmed the Tipperary South TD was thrown out of the parliamentary party for his defiance.

"Mattie McGrath wasn't in a position to support the government, and the rules of the parliamentary party are quite straight forward: where you vote against the government the whip is automatically deemed to be removed," he said.

Mr McGrath is understood to have raised concerns with his colleagues that the legislation would lead to further attempts to target rural pursuits. He now joins three other rebel backbencher Fianna Fail TDs - Jimmy Devins, Eamon Scanlon and Jim McDaid - whose support for the Government can no longer be counted upon in the Dail.

Christy O'Sullivan, Fianna Fail Cork South West TD, who had missed an earlier vote on the legislation, later rowed in behind the government after frantic last minute talks with party colleagues in the corridors of Leinster House.

Mr Curran said he will be talking to Mr O'Sullivan on Wednesday about why he missed the earlier vote.

The chief whip said he will also be meeting with Independent TDs Jackie Healey Rae, Kerry South, and Michael Lowry, Tipperary North - who usually support the government but who voted against them in the stag-hunting bill.

Both hold deals with the government for commitments to their constituencies in return for support.