Information just obtained under FOI strengthens the case for a ban on hare coursing.

According to a report filed by a National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger, a vet attending the coursing fixture in Loughrea, Co. Galway on 15 October 2021, told him (the ranger) that he would check four injured hares in a box AFTER his own greyhound had competed.

The creatures had been left in the box for "approximately 50 minutes to one hour", without veterinary attention, the report states.

Several hares were mauled or suffered other injuries at the same event.

This case demonstrates yet again that so-called “regulation” of hare coursing is meaningless and does not protect the unfortunate hares.  And the fact that vets assigned to ameliorate the plight of hares in coursing events can actively, and quite legally, participate in the “sport” is abhorrent.

At the very least, people who seek veterinary treatment for their animals have a right to know which vets are involved in hare coursing.

NO member of Ireland’s veterinary profession should be associated with this activity that is outlawed in many jurisdictions and is, according to the most recent Red C poll, opposed by 77% of the Irish people.

Please ask the Veterinary Council of Ireland to end all involvement of vets in hare coursing. You can use the sample letter below or compose a message of your own.

Address it to:

hq@vetireland.ie , info@vci.ie

Dear Sir/Madam,

It has come to my attention that veterinary surgeons in Ireland are actively involved in the horribly cruel practice of hare coursing and that even vets assigned to treat injuries sustained at these events can themselves bring greyhounds along to be set on hares.

We look to vets to care for animals, to restore them back to health…not to cause deliberate suffering and injury of the kind witnessed at coursing events.

Please put an end to the involvement of Irish vets in this “sport” that is a criminal offence in many other jurisdictions. Your entire profession is demeaned by this abhorrent association with one of the worst forms of animal cruelty.

Thanking you,