On this show, Lori was joined by Marion Fitzgibbon, chairperson, Limerick Animal Welfare, Limerick Ireland. In the US, greyhound racing is nearly gone, and many rescue groups and advocates have succeeded in placing thousands of loving greyhounds in homes as pets. However, things are not as favorable in Ireland, where the cruel spectacle of “hare coursing” is still very popular. Greyhounds in Ireland need more respect, and Marion described the challenges animal advocates face in trying to protect them. Marion also described to Lori how horses in the country endure immense cruelty and neglect. The interview concluded with a discussion about animal welfare generally in the country. Peter presented a Paul Watson Sea Shepherd update in the news roundup.
Visit Limerick Animal Welfare here.
Learn about more about hare coursing here.
Irish council against blood sports has information about hare coursing, fox hunting and mink hunting as well.
Ela says
I am very much opposed to grhueoynd racing, for the one reason that you feel is important, the inhumane treatment of the dogs.This is a money business, not a sport, and the dogs who can no longer perform are disposed of callously. When I lived in Florida (where the races are Big Time), the Humane Society discovered that unsuccessful dogs were routinely dumped in the ocean as shark chum/bait. I don’t think they can get away with throwing them in the ocean anymore, but they continue to breed and dump dogs on an already overpopulated canine society. The fact that so many former racers have been saved for a life of love and comfort is ONLY because of the care and concern of humans not involved with making money off these beautiful animals.But because these dogs are kept in such strict quarantined conditions, even when they are adopted, they have to be socialized first to be comfortable around humans.What was the question? Oh, yes! I’m very much opposed to dog racing.