The Irish Council Against Blood Sports is to stage a protest outside the Dáil later.

They are angry that 114 TDs voted against a Private Members Bill by Maureen O’Sullivan Bill to outlaw live hare coursing at greyhound tracks.

“This Bill to ban hare coursing is only the first of many challenges against this mediaeval barbarism, and our campaign will continue until we see an end to hare coursing, fox hunting and all forms of hunting wild animals with dogs,” the group stated.

Spokesperson Aideen Yourell said that the activity is already outlawed in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

She says there is a humane alternative and it is wrong to allow the practice continue.

“They are hit by the dogs – their dogs are travelling at speeds of up to 40mph, believe it or not,” she said.

“They can gain very quickly on the hare, and if they do, they hare is thrown up in the air and the they get it, and it can batter and maul it.”