Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

UUP MLAs Tom Elliott and Roy Beggs Jnr have condemned the Irish Hare to a life of poaching by tabling a last minute amendment to the Environment and Wildlife Bill that sought to ban hare coursing in Northern Ireland.

The passing of this amendment completely disregards the environmental impact such a ban will have on the hare population in Northern Ireland. It also overlooks the findings of the DEFRA report Wildlife Crime in the UK 2009/2010 which states that 36% of all poaching is hare poaching and considers it "the most prolific wildlife crime issue"; noting a significant reduction in hare populations.

Lyall Plant, Chief Executive, Countryside Alliance Ireland said "A letter received from UUP MLA John McAllister clearly states that his party recognizes the invaluable work the local hare coursing clubs do in terms of conservation, yet they still voted to ban coursing. The passing of this amendment has clearly demonstrated that this is an all out attack on our heritage and our rural way of life".

Lyall continued "It is clear that the tactical method employed in lodging this amendment provides a clear indication that the sponsors wished to circumvent a comprehensive discussion on all aspects of coursing by the Environment Committee, MLAs and interested parties. The Environment Committee met with me and the Irish Coursing Club previously with regard to the Irish Hare. At no point was the appropriateness of coursing ever raised or discussed; the focus was on the conservation status of the Irish Hare and the positive part played by coursing clubs in this regard".

This is the thin end of the wedge and it is clear that this was a decision based on prejudice and is one that will not benefit Irish hare conservation.