Coursing clubs are really protecting hares

UNFORTUNATELY, many people who want to ban hare coursing have attempted to create the impression that the purpose of the sport is to cause harm to these beautiful creatures.

Frankly, nothing could be further from the truth. In my capacity as a veterinary surgeon, I sometimes come in contact with followers of coursing, and it is patently clear that these folk hold the welfare of the Irish hare very close to their hearts. Indeed, the reality is that, as voluntary guardians of the hare, the future survival of this species in Ireland is reliant on the vigilance and protection afforded to them by coursing clubs.

I recently attended the annual coursing meeting in Glin, Co Limerick, and was immediately struck by the importance of this event in the community. The sense of pride was very evident and all hares were released immediately after the event and were clearly in fine fettle. Indeed, I would urge anybody to make a point of attending a meeting.