Coursing not the only threat to survival of hare

BRYAN LONG (Letters, June 18) seeks to downplay the conservation threat to the Irish hare which both the red data book on Irish flora and fauna and the Wildlife Service have identified as an endangered species.

He gives the impression that Northern Ireland Environment Minister Arlene Foster’s suspension of hunting and coursing activities was unnecessary and ill-advised.

In fact, her decision followed not only a comprehensive survey finding that hares were in sharp decline in the North, but a lengthy democratic process of consultation with every interest group, including hunt and coursing clubs.