Free vote needed to pass Daly’s Wildlife Bill

The killing of a hen harrier in County Kerry was greeted with shock and sadness, not just by the conservationists but by thousands of people who posted messages on social media or phoned radio stations.

Unfortunately there are other threats to Ireland’s wildlife heritage; among them, the Irish hare. This iconic sub species is unique to Ireland and provides a living link with the Ice Age fauna of 10,000 years ago.

In recent years it has been in decline, mainly due to the unintended ravages of modern farming techniques and urbanisation. But the other threat to the Irish hare is no mere side-effect of farming or the expansion of towns or cities. Thousands of the animals are netted each year for coursing, and although a relatively small percentage die during the chase, many are mauled or otherwise injured by the muzzled dogs.

Dr Donald Broom, a Professor of Animal Welfare Studies at Cambridge, has asserted the hunted hare will show physiological changes associated with extreme fear which will reduce its life expectancy, whether it is injured or not.

Clare Daly TD last week moved the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2015 which will, if passed, outlaw this blood sport in Ireland.

This will be first Dáil bill to tackle hare coursing since the late Tony Gregory’s 1993 attempt. That Bill was defeated when party whips ensured TDs could not vote for a coursing ban. We hope all the political parties will allow a free vote.

John Fitzgerald

Campaign for the Abolition Of Cruel Sports

Lower Coyne Street

Callan, Co Kilkenny