Wildlife

Hare Coursing and Animal Welfare

Hare coursing involves using greyhounds to chase and catch hares, raising significant animal welfare concerns about injury, stress and mortality in wild animals.

Key Facts

Hare coursing has been banned in England, Scotland and Wales since 2004 under the Hunting Act
Illegal hare coursing remains widespread, especially during autumn arable field seasons
Coursed hares suffer high rates of injury including broken bones, internal bleeding, and death
Greyhounds used in coursing may also sustain injuries during high-speed chasing on rough terrain
Brown hares are already a Species of Conservation Concern in the UK with declining populations

Welfare Considerations

Hares subjected to coursing experience extreme acute stress as they are chased at high speeds. Even those that escape frequently sustain injuries. The practice disrupts hare social behaviour and habitat use and can devastate local populations. Evidence from field studies shows significant mortality rates from coursing events.

What You Can Do

Report illegal hare coursing to police via the 101 non-emergency number or Crimestoppers
Support organisations like the Hare Preservation Trust that monitor and oppose coursing
Advocate for stronger penalties for illegal coursing convictions
Encourage farmers and landowners to report coursing gangs immediately
Support habitat management that benefits brown hare populations