Wildlife

Wild Hare: UK Population Recovery and Welfare from Coursing

Hare welfare is threatened by coursing, agricultural intensification, and disease, requiring both legal protection and habitat management.

Key Facts

UK hare populations declined by 80% over the 20th century from agricultural intensification
Hare coursing was banned in England and Wales in 2004 but illegal coursing continues
Habitat management including grass margins and spring-sown crops improves hare population density
Brown hares can be legally killed as agricultural pests with no closed season in England

Welfare Considerations

Hares caught in illegal coursing suffer severe injuries from dog pursuit and biting. Legal pest control shooting causes welfare harm when poorly executed. Population recovery through habitat management reduces vulnerability to both legal and illegal welfare threats.

What You Can Do

Report illegal hare coursing to police immediately if witnessed
Support Hare Preservation Trust campaigns for stronger coursing enforcement
Advocate for a closed season for hares providing protection during breeding season