Wildlife

Wild Hare Welfare and Coursing

Hare coursing causes significant suffering through pursuit, capture, and injury. Legal protections in the UK exist but enforcement remains challenging.

Key Facts

Hare coursing involves setting dogs to chase and compete in catching hares
The Hunting Act 2004 banned hare coursing in England and Wales
Illegal coursing events continue in rural areas causing direct welfare harm to hares
Brown hare populations have declined by 80% since the 1960s in the UK
Coursed hares that escape often suffer non-fatal injuries from dog attacks

Welfare Considerations

Hare coursing inflicts acute suffering on a wild animal through chase and capture, with injury and death as common outcomes. The continued illegal practice in the UK represents both a law enforcement challenge and an animal welfare harm. Supporting effective enforcement and habitat management for hare recovery addresses both welfare and conservation dimensions.

What You Can Do

Report suspected illegal hare coursing to police and wildlife crime officers
Support campaign organizations working on Hunting Act enforcement
Advocate for increased police resources dedicated to wildlife crime enforcement
Support habitat management that improves brown hare populations and reduces vulnerability