HARES may not always get 'torn apart' as S Woolley states (Journal, October 17), but, judging from their screams they certainly don't enjoy the tug of war that takes place during coursing.

And, yes, I have actually seen this sick spectacle; I lived in Liverpool during the 1970s where they hold an event called 'The Waterloo Cup'. As a rather nave teenager, I was curious and went along one day to see what went on at this large gathering of men and dogs.

Yes, the hares are flushed like pheasants; but hares cannot fly. The terrified animals are funnelled into a large field (I saw one, rather suspiciously, suddenly appear by a sack at the feet of spectators). Once one hare is in the coursing field, which is surrounded by a cheering mob, the frightened animal runs round in circles desperately seeking a way out. The hare is 'sportingly' given a few seconds' start and then two greyhounds are unleashed. Some hares are lucky and manage to find a gap in the jeering throng; most are not so fortunate and end up between the jaws of the two dogs. I never realised how much hares resemble a child when they scream.

REX STAMFORD, The Gatehouse, Longborough, Moreton.