Wildlife Welfare

Wild Brown Hare Welfare and Coursing

The welfare impacts of hare coursing and the case for complete prohibition.

Key Facts

Hare coursing uses dogs to chase hares for sport or gambling and causes severe welfare harm
Chased hares experience extreme fear responses and are frequently killed or injured during pursuit
Hare coursing was banned in England and Wales in 2004 but illegal coursing remains common
Brown hare populations are declining - persecution through coursing compounds habitat-related pressures

Welfare Considerations

Hare coursing causes deliberate, severe welfare harm to individual animals. The fear response of a coursed hare represents one of the most acute welfare impacts observed in wildlife persecution. Enforcement of the ban, including confiscation of dogs and vehicles, is essential welfare protection.

What You Can Do

Report suspected hare coursing to police via 999 (if in progress) or 101
Support campaigns for hare coursing enforcement and tougher penalties for illegal persecution
Donate to organisations monitoring and reporting illegal coursing activity