Ford calls for greater protection for Irish hare

4.11.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd Jul 2008

Alliance leader David Ford MLA has called for greater protection for the Irish hare following the publication of research by Queen's University that shows that there are only a small numbers of hares in the area around Belfast.

David Ford MLA said: "The results of this research are worrying, especially given the fact that the hills around Belfast should be an ideal location for Irish hares to live in. If their numbers are low here, then there must be problems around the rest of the country.

"This decline in numbers is partly a consequence of environmental pressures but the Irish hare also faces threat from coursing, both legal and illegal.

"I would call on the Environment Minister Sammy Wilson to make sure that the Irish hare continues to be given protection this year under the amendment to the Game Preservation Bill which I pushed through the Assembly in 2002. The Minister also needs to give the Irish hare the highest protection under the revision of the Wildlife Order which is currently being considered by his Department."

ENDS