Jun 27

PRESS RELEASE: Irish Wildlife Trust calls on public to contact TDs in support of hare coursing ban

Published on: 27 June 2017

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is fully behind the private members’ Bill brought forward by Maureen O’Sullivan to ban hare coursing in Ireland and is urging people to make their voices heard.
The Irish hare is a unique sub-species of mountain hare which is endemic to this island. That they can still legally be trapped in their thousands and chased around a field by dogs is a national embarrassment.
IWT Campaign Officer Pádraic Fogarty says “hare coursing belongs in the same macabre gallery as badger baiting or cock fighting – Irish politicians should be embarrassed that it is still allowed to continue. This Thursday the Irish people have an opportunity to make their voices heard, and should contact their local politicians to let them know this is not an acceptable activity in a modern country.”

CONTACT:  Padraic Fogarty – IWT’s Campaigns Officer – 087 2959811 for further details.  END

Editors Notes: The Irish Wildlife Trust was founded in 1979 as a charitable conservation body. We provide the public with information about wildlife, run education and training programs like SAC Watch and the Badger Schools Programme, carry out habitat and species surveys like the IWT National Newt Survey, campaign and lobby around biodiversity issues, restore natural habitats, consult with industry, agriculture and Local Authorities to maintain our natural heritage and contribute to national and international forums for the protection of biodiversity. The IWT is a nationwide organisation with a strong membership base, staff and Board of Directors, with branches in Dublin, Cavan, Longford/Westmeath, Galway, Kerry, Laois/Offaly, Waterford and Cork.