Editor:
At the end of last year, the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan astonishingly voted against legislation that aimed to ban fox hunting and save our native wild dogs from horrendous cruelty and death.
Meanwhile, a Bill to ban hare coursing was overwhelmingly defeated in the Dáil on July 8 by 125 votes to 24.
Minister O’Sullivan, whose department disgracefully enables coursing by issuing hare capture licences, is abundantly aware of the associated suffering.
Documents published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service show that thousands of hares are caught in nets, ripped from their habitats and, after weeks in captivity, forced to run for dear life. All for the amusement of a merciless minority who enjoy watching dogs terrorising the most timid of creatures. Every hare suffers fear and stress and those who are mauled and sustain severe injuries either die or are destroyed.
According to the Fianna Fáil website, "protecting Ireland’s rich biodiversity" is a "major focus for Christopher". As minister for nature and biodiversity, he (O'Sullivan) must prioritise protecting an icon of biodiversity and champion a cessation of coursing.
The time has come for politicians to show some compassion, reflect public opinion and vote to ensure that the hounding of hares is finally halted.
Philip Kiernan, Mullingar, County Westmeath
The writer represents the Irish Council Against Blood Sports
