In pictures: Hare coursing

With the Waterloo Cup continuing at Great Altcar in Lancashire BBC News Online presents pictures from a typical hare coursing event.

Photographs: Simon Roberts

Hare coursing meetings draw dog owners from all over the country

Security is usually tight with police often ensuring protesters are kept apart from the event

Events can draw huge crowds of spectators and often run for several days

Hare coursing opponents claim it is cruel and has no place in the modern world

Two greyhounds are set loose to chase the hare in a knock-out competition

The agility of the greyhound is put to the test and enthusiasts say that one in eight hares are killed

Flags are waved to indicate the colour of the winning greyhound after each event