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.