Heather Humphreys rejects calls to shut down hare coursing
The Irish hare was not under threat and 99% of hares used in coursing were released back into the wild she said, during a debate on a possible ban last night.
Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan moved the motion for a ban and detailed cases of cruelty and hare deaths at meetings. She said lasers and smoke bombs were being used, and furthermore, there was undercover footage of hares being mauled.
Ms O’Sullivan has also called for restrictions on licences. Hare netting licences are provided by Ms Humphreys, who has responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The minister last night said licences were granted under “strict conditions”.
She added: “And the very real danger is that [a ban] would result in unregulated coursing meetings which would represent far greater dangers for the safety of hares. And I know concerns have been raised that this has been the consequence of the ban in Northern Ireland.”
Any proposal to ban live coursing would have a “serious economic impact”, she said. “There are between 70 and 80 meetings held around the country and in some cases they attract thousands of people to rural towns. In many parts of the country, especially in Munster, it is an integral part of the sporting year.”
A vote on the proposed ban will be held next week.
