Wildlife

Wild Brown Hare Welfare and Coursing

Brown hares face welfare pressures from coursing, agricultural intensification and predator pressure, with ongoing conservation challenges across the UK.

Key Facts

UK brown hare populations declined by 75% in the 20th century due to agricultural change
Hare coursing with dogs was banned under the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales
Illegal hare coursing continues in rural areas and causes significant welfare harm
Brown hares rely on tall crops and field margins for shelter and raising leverets
Agri-environment scheme uptake is slowly improving hare habitat across arable England

Welfare Considerations

Brown hares face both legal protection threats from illegal coursing and habitat-related welfare challenges from agricultural intensification. Both require active management responses.

What You Can Do

Report suspected illegal hare coursing to the police immediately
Support agri-environment farming schemes that maintain hare habitat
Record brown hare sightings to contribute to national population monitoring