asked the Minister for Justice if he will have allegations of gross cruelty in the coursing of hares investigated with a view to having legislation enacted to prevent such cruelty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coursing of Hares.
44.
Any allegations that have been made recently seem to be to the effect that all coursing is cruel and should be prohibited.
The Protection of Animals Acts, 1911, and 1965, contain express provisions allowing coursing. The question of coursing was discussed at some length in the Seanad during the debates on the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Bill, 1963. That Bill, which became the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1965, was a Private Members' Bill, promoted on behalf of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Bill did not seek to do away with coursing although the subject was mentioned in the debates.
The law provides adequate penalties for cruelty to animals generally and the Garda have from time to time prosecuted persons for cruelty arising out of the so-called "blooding" of greyhounds. If specific allegations of cruelty are brought to the notice of the Garda, no doubt they will take appropriate action.
Is the Minister aware that an independent investigation into some cases in Britain has shown that from the time the unfortunate hare has been caught by the pursuing hounds to the actual kill, a minute may sometimes elapse in certain circumstances? If this does not constitute cruelty of the grossest kind I do not know what it is.
If you want to bring this to the logical conclusion, you can say the same arises in regard to every animal we eat.
It is a different thing. In this case, very well fed people go out to see this blood sport taking place. In view of the fact that protection for those poor animals is inadequate, the Minister should investigate what must be one of the most barbaric sports which does not allow any sporting chance to the poor hare who is caught by the pursuing hounds. This is a very sadistic form of sport.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals take a very close and deep interest in this matter and they are perfectly happy with the regulations which obtain in regard to coursing in Ireland.
Then it is time they called themselves by another name.
Might I ask if it is possible that the hounds be muzzled in this sport? At least, that would stop cruelty.