Heather Humphreys rejects calls to shut down hare coursing

Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys has rejected calls to shut down hare coursing on the grounds there are strict controls for the sport and such a ban would hit rural areas.

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.