The Battle to Save the Irish Hare

I am one of a number of people in Ireland campaigning for the abolition of the cruel "sport" of hare coursing, in which live hares (jack rabbits I think Americans call them) are used as bait in public greyhound racing contests...instead of chasing electric or other non-live lures, the greyhounds are set after the live animals, often savaging them to death. Heavy betting accompanies each coursing event.

This "sport" is fully legal in Ireland and among the high profile campaigners against it is John Fitzgerald, who has recently had his autobiography published, entitled Bad Hare Days.

In it, he recounts the story of Ireland's animal protectioners, including himself, who have battled for decades with the powerful hare-coursing fraternity and the top politicians and business interests that back this horrific cruelty.

The book offers a gripping account of the ups and downs of the campaign, reflecting the experiences of campaigners on similar issues worldwide...the author explains how the campaign itself took a heavy on the lives of campaigners.

John Fitzgerald himself was bullied severely in the workplace and subjected to enormous pressure from pro- hare coursing people in his locality to drop his involvement...he lived and worked in a district where coursing was well supported.

I really recommend Bad Hare Days (Olympia Publishers of London) to anyone wishing to know about our unusual animal welfare challenges here in Ireland, especially in relation to the anti-coursing campaign.

I found it a fantastic read. It's not by any means all doom and gloom...it's full of humour too, and I think younger campaigners (in any country) will find the insights offered of great value.

We're hoping that the book will "spread the word" about our efforts on behalf of the humble hare, one of the most beautiful of the wild creatures that grace our "Emerald Isle".

We look forward to the day when the hare will be protected from cruelty in Ireland and we can put aside our placards!