Hare-coursers gather for UK event

The video shows two dogs pulling at the hare while it is still alive

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend a hare-coursing event in Lancashire on Tuesday.

Ahead of the UK's largest coursing event, animal rights groups released what they said was a "shocking" video.

The three-day Waterloo Cup in Altcar regularly attracts protesters.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) backed by the RSPCA and League Against Cruel Sports hopes the footage will persuade people to back a ban on the sport.

The video shows two hunting dogs attack a hare and pull it in opposite directions while still alive.

'End is nigh'

The campaign against the Waterloo Cup has been backed by vet Emma Milne, from the BBC's Vets in Practice programme, and West Lancashire MP Colin Pickthall.

The Labour politician said: "Hare coursing is the most horrible of a wide range of unpopular blood sports.

"The Waterloo Cup, which takes place in my constituency, is its major event.

"The elected chamber has consistently voted by huge majorities to ban hunting with dogs.

"Our will cannot be ignored. I am confident that the end of coursing with dogs is nigh."