Coursing - A Relic of Barbarism

        From "The Wisbech Standard"  January 26th 1917   

        Sir, --- Among many things that might with advantage be spared in the present day, surely "Coursing" is one. 
        Quite apart from the fact that it is, at best, a cruel sport [if 'sport' it may be called], it brings together a number 
        of young men whose services are needed elsewhere.  The local papers at this time of year conatin almost 
        weekly notices of "Coursing meetings", which prove that, in certain parts of the country, there are many loafers 
        who are willing to spend whole days, not in useful work, but harrying harmless hares.  It is rather surprising 
        that such meetings have not long since been prohibited by the Government.

        I look forward to the time when "coursing" will be regarded by all humane people as a relic of barbarism - quite 
        as dog-fights and cock-fights - and dealt with under the Cruelty to Animals Act.

        Much that goes under the name of "Field Sports" is deplorable enough; and of these so-called "sports" few are 
        less defensible than "coursing".  At a time like the present, it is almost indecent.   If people want to kill something, 
        let them go out and kill Huns - a task worthy of the energies of our best and bravest - instead of watching dogs
        tear timid hares to pieces amid the savage plaudits of idle spectators.

        Signed:               V.

        January 20th.


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