Brown Hare Welfare and Hare Coursing Prohibition

The brown hare is one of Britain most spectacular native mammals, yet populations have declined dramatically. Hare coursing — using dogs to chase and kill hares — was banned in England in 2004 but continues illegally.

Key Facts

Brown hare populations in the UK declined by approximately 80% over the last century due to agricultural change
They are amber-listed in the UK — a species of significant conservation concern
Hare coursing was banned by the Hunting Act 2004 but illegal coursing has increased significantly in recent years
Gangs of illegal coursers use high-powered vehicles and lurcher dogs to pursue hares across farmland, often at night
Hares can reach speeds of 70 kilometres per hour but are caught and killed in a proportion of coursing incidents
The welfare of hares killed by coursing dogs involves violent physical trauma — a welfare concern equivalent to that of fox hunting
Policing of illegal coursing has improved following amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
Brown hares have a unique social system — leverets are born above ground fully furred and mobile, left hidden in the open by the doe

Welfare Considerations

Brown hare welfare faces a dual challenge: population decline from agricultural change and persistent illegal coursing causing direct animal welfare harm. Coursed hares experience extreme fear responses during the chase and, when caught, violent death from dog attack. The illegal coursing problem has organised crime dimensions — gangs use hares for gambling events and intimidate landowners who attempt to report incidents. Welfare advocates and conservation organisations have worked together with police to improve enforcement. The convergence of conservation and welfare motivations makes hare protection a cause with broad coalition potential.

What You Can Do

Report illegal hare coursing to police immediately via 999 if in progress, or 101 for historical incidents
Support League Against Cruel Sports campaigns for stronger enforcement of the Hunting Act
Donate to the Hare Preservation Trust conservation and welfare work
Advocate for agricultural policies that maintain rough field margins and grass leys where hares breed and feed
Oppose agricultural practices that destroy hare habitat including intensive cultivation of all field margins
Engage with local police about hare coursing as a serious rural crime requiring proactive intelligence-led response