When you cast your vote on election day, 8th February, be a voice for Ireland’s persecuted animals - Read Sean Kiely’s Letter to the Editor in today’s Irish Examiner…

Cast your vote to support voiceless
Irish Examiner, 29 January 2020

Similar to D Sweeney (Irish Examiner ‘Letters’) I also admire and respect John Fitzgerald, he is a true advocate for the animals, in particular our Irish hares. During the coursing season these gentle creatures are taken from their natural environment. They are kept in captivity and then released to be chased by hounds, running frantically and terrified for their lives, some are badly injured and die.

John regularly highlights their suffering and calls for an end to this barbaric activity. Opinion polls have shown that more than 75% of Irish people support a ban not only on coursing but also fox hunting — which is another form of cruelty. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour voted against the last bill proposing a ban on hare coursing.

Last year an RTÉ documentary laid bare the shocking cruelty and killing of thousands of unwanted greyhounds in the industry. The above parties continue to support greyhound racing, in the last budget they voted in favour of giving €16 million in funding to the greyhound board. Unlike most of our politicians John Fitzgerald has always been a voice for the animals. I really hope his won’t be the only one on February 8 and that many Irish people, when they cast their vote, also will be a voice for the voiceless.

Sean Kiely
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

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Find out the views of election candidates on our special election page: https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2020/01/08/general-election-2020-candidates-and-animal-cruelty-issues/

Question candidates about where they stand on animal cruelty issues.

Please reject candidates who support animal cruelty and give your Number 1 vote to any candidate who pledges to push for an end to hare coursing, foxhunting, greyhound racing, etc.

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