Public purse used to fund animal cruelty
So the public purse may now fund animal cruelty despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of taxpayers are opposed to this barbarism (80% in the last independent poll) and want it outlawed not grant aided.
To add insult to injury, Bórd na gCon states that this proposed grant is for 'animal welfare' purposes. This spin is stomach-churning. We have no doubt that the funds will go towards prizemoney for hare coursing events.
In any event, welfare for hares in coursing can't be improved, as taking them from the wild and using them as live lures is inherently cruel, and there is no way the cruelty can be alleviated by one cent, never mind a quarter of a million euro. This ludicrous suggestion is a spin too far, and the Irish public won't buy it. Welfare for hares can only be improved by leaving them alone in the wild and outlawing hare coursing.
If there is a quarter of a million euro up for grabs, it could be put towards some real animal welfare causes.
There are many struggling animal rescue centres which would be grateful for even a fraction of this grant.
Aideen Yourell,
Spokesperson,
Irish Council Against Blood Sports,
PO Box 88,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath.
