DÁIL TECHNICAL Group TDs Clare Daly and Maureen O’Sullivan have appealed for cross-party support for their Private Members’ Bill banning hare coursing.
They intend moving the Bill during the current Dáil term which runs until Easter.
Ms Daly, Socialist Party TD for Dublin North, said TDs opposed to hare coursing should vote for the Bill, irrespective of party allegiance.
“If their participation in democracy is to mean anything, they really should go with their conscience on an issue like this. The overwhelming majority of people oppose this activity.”
Independent TD Ms O’Sullivan, who represents Dublin Central, said hare coursing was dangerous for both hare and dog alike, leading to injuries causing long-term suffering.
“It is an unnecessary part of sporting events and one which condones violence against animals.’’
Ms O’Sullivan said the mistreatment of hares extended to the techniques used to collect them from the wild, use of weak hares and the practice of “blooding’’ them which, although illegal, still went on.
The two TDs joined animal rights groups for a lunchtime protest outside the Department of Agriculture in Dublin yesterday.
The attendance included Noel Gregory, brother of the late Tony Gregory, Ms O’Sullivan’s predecessor as Independent TD for Dublin Central.
Tony Gregory unsuccessfully sought to have a similar Bill passed by the Dáil in 1993.
