Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hare Welfare and Agricultural Management

Brown hares face significant welfare pressures from agricultural intensification. Management of field margins, crops, and hare coursing affects population welfare significantly.

Key Facts

Brown hare populations have declined by 80% in the UK since the 1960s
Hares do not burrow and give birth in exposed forms vulnerable to agricultural machinery
Vegetation at field margins provides cover and feeding habitat for hares
Illegal hare coursing causes direct welfare harm and significant distress
Agri-environment scheme management can significantly improve hare habitat

Welfare Considerations

Agricultural intensification causes habitat loss and direct mortality from machinery, while illegal coursing causes acute welfare harm. Policy and management changes that support hare populations benefit both individual welfare and conservation.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes with hare conservation measures
Report suspected hare coursing to police immediately
Slow machinery in areas where hares and leverets are present
Advocate for legislative protection and habitat management for brown hares