Morrissey Joins PETA Campaign Against Hare Coursing
This morning, ahead of his upcoming concert in Killarney, Ireland (24 September), long-time PETA supporter, musician, and activist Morrissey sent an urgent letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin on PETA’s behalf, urging him to ban archaic hare coursing in the country.
“For nothing more than a bet or a lark, thousands of hares are ripped from their homes every year, crammed into netted enclosures, and forced to run for their lives in front of dogs. … Surely, it is not hard to see that this is wrong.”
– Morrissey
This cruel pastime simply has no place in a civilised society.
“There is something extremely depraved about those who enjoy watching animals being terrorised. And the sooner Ireland distances itself from this cruel activity, the better.”
– Morrissey
Many hares used for coursing are trapped in their countryside homes and never see them again. The fear and stress of being chased can cause heart failure and sudden death, and those who are hit or caught by the dogs may be mauled to death on the spot or succumb later to their injuries.
The blood sport has long been banned in Northern Ireland and most other European countries, including the rest of the UK. As much as 77% of the Irish public wants to see it banned.
The Situation Is Urgent – Hare Coursing Must Be Stopped
The Irish government granted hare-coursing licences for the 2022–2023 season despite the cruelty involved and the potential environmental impact. Hare coursing can perpetuate the spread of rabbit haemorrhagic disease, which could, in turn, wipe out populations and affect the whole ecosystem. A private members’ bill, the Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill 2020, has been introduced by Paul Murphy TD and will be debated in the Irish Parliament in due course.
Join Morrissey and over 50,000 PETA supporters who have called for a ban on hare coursing in Ireland:
If you’re Irish, please also write to your TD and ask them to support a ban and speak in favour of the bill when it is debated.
