Sincere thanks to all who signed the new petition titled “End Ireland’s Hare coursing Nightmare”, as the newly appointed heritage minister will be taking decisions in the coming months relating to this appalling blood sport (see link to YouTube video of recent coursing event) as part of her brief. Ireland is heavily dependent on tourism so our government cannot ignore even the possibility of potential visitors to our country being put off by the reality of fully legal hare coursing tainting our image as a nation. Any tourist with even a moderate awareness of animal protection issues would have to reflect carefully before giving tacit approval to such a horrific practice by visiting the parts of Ireland where it takes place. Others would undoubtedly avoid the country entirely because of it. Ministers are forever emphasising the importance of promoting tourism in Ireland, and hare coursing does NOTHING to boost visitor numbers, with the exception of animal cruelty fans who travel from countries where the blood sport is banned. So this petition will hopefully drive home the message that the government is deterring people from visiting Ireland by permitting hare coursing. • Aside from signing the petition, you can if you wish contact the minister via facebook, twitter, or by phone to relay your message. You might let her know that hare coursing does NOT help Ireland’s tourist industry! Here are contact details: Josepha Madigan TD Minister for Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht Phone: +353 (0)1 631 3800 Email: josepha.madigan@oireachtas.ie Tweet to: @josephamadigan