Beggs moves to prevent re-introduction of Hare Coursing

Roy Beggs MLA has this week successfully moved an amendment to the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill which will ban the practice of Hare Coursing in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on progressing a 2007 UUP manifesto commitment Environment Spokesman Roy Beggs said: "Coming from a rural background, I am not an opponent of countryside sports, but I believe that Hare Coursing is simply unacceptable in this day and age. Hare Coursing involves catching a wild animal, keeping it for several day/weeks, and then releasing it in a restricted enclosure to enable dogs to chase after it and spectators to watch their dogs compete against each other and the hare in this manufactured setting.

Given the manufactured nature of the chase involving a wild animal in a restricted setting, I and many others believe that Hare Coursing is different to other countryside sports and should not be permitted to continue.

In conclusion Roy Beggs MLA said, "I am delighted that the Assembly backed my amendment and that when this Bill eventually receives Royal Assent, Hare Coursing will be banned throughout the entire UK, and the Ulster Unionist Manifesto commitment will have been honoured."

Hare coursing had been practiced by 2 clubs in NI until 2002, outside Dungannon and Ballymena. With the Minister of the Environment having indicated that he was not going to re-issue a Special Protection Order for the Irish Hare, there was a likelihood that Hare Coursing could recommence. In addition other loop holds existed which could have been exploited. The decision by the Assembly will make Hare Coursing illegal whether or not the Irish Hare is protected.

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