The season of peace and goodwill in Ireland sadly doesn’t apply to the hares that face an even more ferocious attack on their gentle and nonthreatening existence at this time of year. Coursing clubs capture them in bigger number in the run-up to Christmas, forcing them to run from greyhounds in appalling weather conditions. In hail, rain, and snow they twist and turn and dodge on the fields of terror. Their eyes bulging with fear, they splash through water-logged, frozen, or mud -encrusted fields...all for the amusement of people who enjoy watching them fight for their lives. Fans swig from hip flasks or mark their cards as the hares are mauled, have their bones crushed, or are tossed about like broken toys in the depths of winter. Thankfully politicians are slowly coming around to the view that such ill-treatment of wildlife for “sport” is unacceptable, thanks mainly to caring human beings signing petitions and protesting. The most recent petition (see link) is important because it seeks to persuade Ireland’s new Heritage Minister to withdraw the license that allows hare coursing in Ireland. Thanks to all who’ve signed it. Sharing it helps too.