Stronger hare coursing laws are welcome news

WHAT welcome news that the government is planning to strengthen the law against hare coursing and other organised rural crime (“Farmers welcome new action on hare coursing”, January 10).

I fully sympathise with farmers and rural communities who have to endure the antisocial behaviour of the thugs who engage in the despicable activity.

They not only damage crops and the environment but also intimidate and threaten anyone who stands in their way. It is reported that many coursers are career criminals who engage in a variety of criminal acts.

They even live stream hare coursing to betting syndicates abroad, which is said to be worth millions of pounds.

However, I was disappointed that the Mercury letter failed to mention the plight of the hares.

Although they can sprint at high speeds for short periods, they are no match for the stamina of hunting dogs.

A chase can last for 90 minutes during which time the hare can be grabbed several times, causing considerable stress and injuries.

Finally, the hare’s suffering increases as he becomes like a living rope in a brutal tug of war between the jaws of two dogs. Coursers often take the hare’s head or tail as a trophy.

There are a number of threats to hare populations in Britain. As well as coursing they include climate change and habitat loss.

It is reported that there were about 4 million hares in Britain which has been reduced to around 700,000. Such a reduction needs to stop.

The sooner the government acts to strengthen the law to prevent the vicious cruelty of hare coursing and the damage it causes, the better.

I also hope the other despicable illegal blood sport of fox hunting will be similarly treated.

Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone