At this time of year, with the so-called "National Hare Coursing Festival" casting a blot over the Irish landscape, I can't help reflecting on the human cost of fighting against animal cruelty, especially a form of legalized animal cruelty supported by powerful people in our society. I've written about this theme in Bad Hare Days, and the book can be downloaded freely at the following link. It focuses specifically on a period in 1980s when a "heavy gang" within the Irish police force worked closely with the hare coursing clubs in an effort to suppress opposition to the blood sport. I'm sure many campaigners for justice (whatever the cause or objective) in Ireland and elsewhere, will identify to some extent with my own experience of what happens when you rub the establishment up the wrong way! Here's the link: https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/bad-hare-days/