Pamela Anderson Writes To Taoiseach Calling For Ban On Hare Coursing

Pamela Anderson has written to the Taoiseach asking him to ban the "reckless and cruel" practice of hare coursing in Ireland.

The former Baywatch star told Micheál Martin that the activity is "at odds with the warmth and goodwill" Ireland is known for around the world.

Hare coursing is already banned in the UK and was suspended in Ireland during coronavirus restrictions. Following reports the activity would be given the green light to resume, Anderson urged the Taoiseach to step in.

“Will you please be the Taoiseach who finally lays cruel hare coursing to rest?” she asked.

“The novel coronavirus has taught us the devastating consequences of messing with wildlife and your government can heed that lesson by banning this so-called “sport,” in which gentle, sensitive hares – wild animals – are torn from their natural homes so that they can be chased by hounds for someone’s twisted idea of amusement.”

Pamela Anderson urges Taoiseach Micheál Martin to ban hare coursing in Ireland, 09-12-2020. Image: PETA

She said hare coursing is reckless and cruel and warned that many hares die when they are captured, transported and held captive before meets.

“Some endure stress-induced heart attacks or other organ damage, or they collapse and die of sheer exhaustion while desperately fleeing from the dogs,” she said.

“This blood sport is at odds with the warmth and goodwill that people around the world know and love Ireland for.”

Hare coursing in Clonmel, Tipperary, 03-02-2013. Image: Jonas Gustavsson/SIPA USA/PA Images

She said it is “past time” that Ireland consigned hare coursing to the history books, “where it belongs.”

Anderson has previously written to both Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar calling for bans on fur farming and wild animal circuses.

A long-time animal rights activist, Anderson wrote the letter in her capacity as an honorary director of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in the US.

In a statement, the organisation said there are currently 78 hare coursing clubs operating in Ireland.

Legislation banning the practice here was brought forward by Rise TD Paul Murphy earlier this year.

Anderson has previously written to both Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar calling for bans on fur farming and wild animal circuses.

PETA has launched a petition calling on the Taoiseach to end hare coursing in Ireland.