Though Time to Stop Running is about the adventures of an Irish Hare (with psychic powers and a special mission), I try to address the plight of other persecuted creatures in the novel, such as the badger, the fox, and the much misunderstood greyhound.

While greyhounds are used to chase and kill or injure hares in coursing, they are also victims of the blood sport. In Ireland, greyhounds that fail to perform in coursing are abandoned or cruelly killed.

Shallow graves have been unearthed all over Ireland containing the remains of these unfortunate dogs, faithful animals whose loyalty to their owners has been repaid with human savagery: They are taken to secluded spots in the countryside and either shot in the head or beaten to death with spades or shovels.

In Spain, where hare coursing is also legal, a hound called the Galgo is subjected to a litany of horrors. Galgos spend most of the short, miserable lives in tiny shacks or dirty kennels, denied daylight, proper exercise or even a hint of human affection.

Once the coursing season is over, many of them (about 100,000 per year, animal welfare groups estimate) are disposed of.  Sadly, not in a humane manner: Most are hung from trees to die of strangulation, thrown down wells by cruel owners, or tossed into garbage heaps after being shot. Many of the supposedly “dispatched” dogs are found alive...the bullets or lead pellets not having killed them outright.  Another reason why hare coursing should be banned, in whatever country these obscene practice is permitted

In the novel, Tipsy discovers that the greyhound is as much a victim of man’s inhumanity as the hapless hare. I don’t wish to give away what happens, but I try to get across the message that both dogs and hares need protection from the nastiness of our supposedly superior human species.

Thanks to all who’ve contacted me re the book. Sometimes it’s easier to say something in a work of fiction, though the nasty practises depicted are all too real.

Maybe if all compassionate human beings combine their efforts for animals the world will change for the better?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Stop-Running-John-Fitzgerald-ebook/dp/B07KK1F53Z/