Latest push to outlaw hare coursing
I welcome the latest push to outlaw hare coursing. The Protection of Hares Bill (2023) moved by Jennifer Whitmore TD (Social Democrats) would, if successful, removes the ability of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to issue licenses for the capture of hares, thus according full legal protection to one of our few truly native mammals.
As matters stand, coursing clubs are allowed to net hares every year that are then set upon by dogs for ‘sport’ and gambling. Though the Irish Hare is officially a protected species, a special exemption exists in the legislation allegedly ‘protecting’ it that, bizarrely, facilitates the use of hares for coursing: Hence the sickening spectacle of these gentle creatures, renowned in song and folklore, running for their lives at public venues nationwide.
Apart from those hares that are mauled or killed outright in the game, thousands suffer high levels of stress and may succumb to ailments arising from their completely unnatural ordeal following release back into the wild.
A study recently published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), though involving a relatively small number of hares; serves as a stark reminder of the suffering to which this iconic creature is subjected for human amusement.
The study involved 40 hares that were released and monitored over a six-month period. 20 of these had been coursed, and 20 had not been coursed.
Only one of the twenty coursed hares was found alive at the end of the six-month test period, while eight of the un-coursed ones were found alive.
In moving her Bill, Deputy Whitmore recalled how she had seen a protest against hare coursing as a seven-year old child and was shocked to learn that this form of animal cruelty was commonplace.
As her contribution to Biodiversity Week, she wished to highlight the scandal and horror of a practice that continues despite being banned almost worldwide.
I hope other TDs and parties will support the Bill, and that a free vote will be permitted when it comes up for debate.
In the past TDs who abhorred hare coursing were coerced into backing it. The cruel and cowardly game survives thanks mainly to the party whip system. Without this lifeline it might have been outlawed decades ago.
This perversion of democracy allows coursing to survive against the wishes of the vast majority of our people.
The most recent Red C poll showed that 78% of the population wants coursing banned, and a fifth of the submissions received by the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss called for its abolition.
This pathetic excuse for a sport has shamed Ireland for long enough. It’s time to let the hare run free in our countryside.
Thanking you, Sincerely, John Fitzgerald Lower Coyne Street, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.