A GROUP of Blackburn animal lovers are preparing to protest at the controversial Waterloo Cup.

The members of the newly-formed Blackburn branch of the League against Cruel Sports, are planning to travel en-masse to the three-day hare coursing event in a bid to show how cruel the sport is.

Member Irene Fogarty, of Cherry Tree, branded participants of the sport as "a sickeningly vile band of people." She said: "We hope to get as many people as possible down to the course at Altcar to show just how sickening people find this behaviour.

"It isn't even a sport. It is disgusting. If there is a strong show of support and enough media coverage, perhaps MPs will take note on the public feeling.

"It is impossible to believe that some people can derive pleasure from this and I feel sick when they claim the hares enjoy the thrill of it."

Since forming the group last month, members say they have had a lot of local support.

She added: "When we tell people what happens they are appalled and we urge them to write to their MP and they are doing so."

Transport is currently being arranged to Altcar by the group. For more information about helping, contact 0498 55 72 56.

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