Attwood Bans Hare Coursing Events

Attwood bans hare coursing events in Northern Ireland Environment Minister Alex Attwood today banned hare coursing events in Northern Ireland. The ban comes into effect on 17th August 2011. The new ban is a permanent measure and makes it an offence for someone to organise, participate in or attend a hare coursing event, or to net, transport or be in possession of hares for the purpose of a hare coursing event. Alex Attwood said, “Hare coursing events should not take place in a modern, progressive, civilised society. We all have a responsibility to protect our wildlife and certainly I want to do everything in my power to do that. “While hare coursing events in Northern Ireland has been prevented for a number of years on a temporary basis, the ban I am introducing is a permanent one and a positive step forward.” The ban is part of a series of tough measures the Minister has taken in the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act, which will become law on the same date. This legislation is the primary tool for the conservation and protection of Northern Ireland’s threatened or endangered wildlife.]]>