BAN BLOOD SPORTS

Sir, - I appeal to your readers no to forget animals at election time. Politicians have a duty to implement the wishes of those who elect them and give them a mandate. In 1990, for example, public pressure forced the Government to withdraw licences for otter hunting. Until then, these attractive mammals had been hunted in the waterways of Munster.

In the run up to June 6th, voters should be aware that the following "entertainments command legal status and the patronage of certain politicians:

Hare coursing - a sport in which wild creatures are netted in our countryside and taken to enclosures to serve as live bait for greyhounds. Prior to a coursing event, disabled hares and rabbits are fed to the dogs in "blooding" trials.

Fox hunting - in which an animal is chased for miles across country by half starved hounds and people dressed up in clown outfits. When caught, the fox has the skin ripped off its bones by the pack. Foxes that "go to earth are dug out, beaten with shovels, and lowered to the hounds to be eaten alive.

Stag hunting - which involves the wholesale abuse of the animal depicted on our pound coin. This proud and majestic creature is terrorised by dogs accompanied by horn blowing humans. A recently published scientific report confirmed that the stag undergoes "unacceptable levels of stress and suffering" while being hunted.

Animals cannot vote. Nor can they lobby politicians. So please, make your voice heard in pressing for a ban on blood sports. - Yours, etc.,

Campaign for the Abolition,

Callan,

Co. Kilkenny.