Hare Coursing and Brown Hare Welfare

Brown hares face threats from agricultural intensification, hare coursing, and habitat loss. Illegal hare coursing causes acute suffering and is a significant wildlife crime.

Key Facts

Brown hare populations declined by 80% in the UK during the 20th century
Hare coursing was banned under the Hunting Act 2004 but remains widespread in rural areas
Hares can run at over 70km/h but are physically stressed by prolonged chasing
Hare coursing is associated with other rural crime including trespass and vehicle crime
The Police Rural Crime strategy now specifically targets hare coursing gangs

Welfare Considerations

Illegal hare coursing involves repeated chasing of wild hares by dogs until the hare is caught and killed or escapes exhausted. The chase causes acute stress responses, muscle damage from extreme exertion, and frequently death by mauling. Even hares that escape suffer prolonged physiological stress and possible injury. Organised coursing events involve multiple hares being coursed sequentially. This is a direct welfare crime against a declining native species that requires robust law enforcement response.

What You Can Do

Report suspected hare coursing to police immediately - do not confront participants
Support rural crime units targeting hare coursing through the NFU and RSPB
Advocate for increased penalties for hare coursing offences
Create and maintain hare habitat by managing field margins for nesting cover
Support Hare Preservation Trust conservation and advocacy work