Kilkenny coursing event picketed by activists

Animal rights activists are picketing a major hare-coursing event in Co Kilkenny today.

Animal rights activists are picketing a major hare-coursing event in Co Kilkenny today.

Members of Britiain's League Against Cruel Sports held a demonstration against the Seamus Hughes Cup being held at Sevenhouses, Co Kilkenny.

Half of the 32 places at the Seamus Hughes Cup in Sevenhouses have been reserved for greyhounds who would have taken part in the UK's Waterloo Cup.

The historic English competition, which took place at Altcar, Lancashire, was banned under the Hunting Act 2004.

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Supporters were backed by the Fight Against Animal Cruelty in Europe (FAACE) and the Irish Council Against Bloodsports (ICABS). Placards and banners were displayed during the protest, which organisers pledged would be a peaceful show of opposition.

Dr Jane Evans, spokeswoman for the League, claimed greyhounds which would have competed at the now defunct Waterloo Cup held near Southport, had been brought over.

"This export of animal cruelty to Ireland is a despicable form of cruelty tourism," she said.

"The League utterly condemns the coursing of hares, whether muzzled or not. Severe trauma is caused to hares by netting and by coursing.

"The worst thing is that this cruelty is inflicted purely for the crowd's enjoyment.

"These animals are treated as disposable playthings and their suffering is mere entertainment for a bloodthirsty mob.

"How anyone can take pleasure in this festival of bloodlust is beyond me."