We need to protect hares and foxes as well as deer

The Gardaí and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are to be complimented for their latest clampdown on illegal deer hunting. Deer herds around the country have been ravaged by gangs of thugs using high powered lamps and dogs.

Some of the criminals involved simply shoot the deer for meat, but the worst activity is the deliberate setting of lurchers and assorted cross-bred dogs on the timid creatures.

Chasing a fox for miles until its lungs give out is, I would argue, on the same level as the “sport” engaged in by the nocturnal deer poachers. Likewise, hares are subjected to terror and injuries in coursing, being mauled and tossed about like broken toys.