Take Action: Hare Coursing

On 2 July, the Dáil will debate the Animal Health & Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill, with a vote scheduled for 8 July.

If passed, the Bill would prohibit hare coursing in Ireland.

Hare coursing involves capturing wild Irish hares, holding them in captivity, and releasing them to be chased by greyhounds during organised events. Supporters argue that the practice is regulated and forms part of Ireland's rural heritage. Opponents argue that it causes unnecessary fear, stress, injury and, in some cases, death to hares, and that it is incompatible with modern animal welfare standards.

The Irish hare is a species unique to this island and is protected under Irish law, with hare coursing operating under a specific legal exemption.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this is an opportunity to let your elected representatives know your views before they vote.

If you would like to ask your TD to support the Bill, we've prepared a simple email template and contact information below to make it as easy as possible.

1. Contact your local TDs

You can use the email template below as a starting point. We encourage you to personalise it with your own thoughts or experiences where possible, as individual emails often have a greater impact.

2. Send your email before the vote

The Bill will be debated on 2 July, with a vote scheduled for 8 July, so it's important that TDs hear from members of the public before then.

3. Share this page

If you know someone else who cares about animal welfare, please consider sharing this page with them. The more people who contact their representatives, the stronger the message that this issue matters to the public.

You can find your local TDs on this website: https://www.contactyourtd.ie/

Subject: Please support the Animal Health & Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill

Dear {{Greeting}},

I am writing ahead of the Dáil debate on the Animal Health & Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill on 2 July and the vote on 8 July to respectfully ask that you support this legislation.

Hare coursing raises significant animal welfare concerns. Every year, thousands of wild Irish hares are captured, transported, confined and released to be chased by greyhounds for sport. While the dogs are muzzled, the process still exposes hares to fear, stress, injury and, in some cases, death.

The Irish hare is unique to this island and is protected under Irish law. I believe it should be allowed to live free from unnecessary human interference rather than being captured for entertainment.

I also believe this Bill represents an opportunity to take a broader step towards improving animal welfare in Ireland. Hare coursing forms part of a wider system that uses animals for sport and entertainment. Supporting this legislation would send a clear message that compassion and animal welfare should take precedence over outdated practices.

I appreciate that opinions on this issue differ, and I respect that many people view hare coursing as part of Ireland's rural heritage. However, I believe traditions should evolve as our understanding of animal welfare evolves. We have an opportunity to strengthen protections for our native wildlife while demonstrating that Ireland is committed to high standards of animal welfare.

I respectfully ask that you support the Animal Health & Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill when it comes before the Dáil.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I would appreciate hearing your position on the Bill if you are able to reply.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Town/County]