Paragraph 2418 of the Catholic Catechism makes it clear that "it is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer and die needlessly." It is therefore against the Catechism for members of the clergy to be involved in hare coursing - one of Ireland's worst forms of cruelty. In coursing, greyhounds are unleashed to chase hares around an enclosed field. Running for their lives from the dogs, the timid creatures endure fear and stress. Hares hit by the muzzled dogs suffer painful injuries such as broken bones and dislocated hips. A 77 per cent majority of Irish citizens want hare coursing banned.