HARE UP

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Hare Up - (See Sporting Press for full statement from DJ Histon)

The news all coursing supporters have been waiting for has arrived. Minister for the Environment Mr. John Gormley has signed the licence for the coursing season of 2009/2010, permitting clubs to net hares from September 16. This year’s delayed issuance of the licence has caused concern to the coursing fraternity given that clubs take their responsibilities more seriously than ever and have the conservation of the hare at the core at all times.
Some debate has been generated over the past weeks both from within coursing circles and from the anti lobbyists who claim to have the welfare of the hare as central to their cause. Their view is short sighted, as they fail to recognise the positive influences coursing clubs have on the hare population. Without the efforts of our sport the hare population would be without the significant layer of protection it presently enjoys from the hare husbandry initiatives afforded by coursing clubs on a 12 month basis. They fail to see that coursing operates in a highly regulated environment. Although our sport may take place only over the winter months and is sensitive to the hare breeding season, the preparation and policing of preserves is a continuous activity and conducted on a voluntary basis. The anti groups need to recognise that without regulated coursing there would be an increase of unregulated coursing taking place throughout the year, with no organisation taking responsibility or interest in the overall well being of the hare.
This weekend at Powerstown Park, coursing enthusiasts with a desire for knowledge will attend a hare seminar to share and gather information. This event is open to all interested parties by registering with the ICC and will commence at 11.30am.