Hare coursers gather for top event
14 February 2000
Hare coursers gather for top event
HARE coursers will gather in Lancashire later this month for the premier
event of the coursing calendar — the Waterloo Cup.
Enthiusiasts say the three-day event, which features 64 greyhounds
competing for the prestigious trophy, contributes to the conservation of the
brown hare.
But the RSPCA, which opposes all hunting with dogs, says the issue is
primarily one of animal welfare.
The National Coursing Club event, which dates back to 1836, is held at
Lord Leverhulmes Altcar estate.
Dr Stephen Tapper, deputy director general of the Game Conservancy Trust,
said that during a 12-year study at Altcar hare numbers remained high
throughout, and increased in nine years.
He said: “Given that the life expectancy of hares living on farmland is
low, normally 50 per cent die each year, the effect of coursing mortality on
the hare population is negligible.”
Dr Tapper said the GCT research put hare mortality through coursing as
low as 4%.
He added: “We think the conservation of good hare stocks at Altcar is
certainly attributable to the coursing interest there and especially the
Waterloo Cup.
An RSPCA spokesman said: “Were more concerned with animal welfare. Is it
necessary and ethical to have an animal running for its life, possibly on
several occasions before its killed?
“What effects does that have on the physiology of an animal which is in
considerable distress?
“It also raises questions about the people who go to watch this
so-called sport.”
The Waterloo Cup is being held between 22-24 February. More than 10,000
spectators are expected to attend.