Wildlife

Wild Brown Hare Coursing: Welfare and Legislation

Despite the 2004 ban on hare coursing, illegal coursing continues causing significant welfare harm to hares across the UK.

Key Facts

The Hunting Act 2004 banned hare coursing in England and Wales
Illegal coursing continues on farmland, causing hare deaths, injuries, and farm property damage
Hares chased by dogs experience acute terror and exhaustion as prey animals
Police operations including Operation Galileo target organised coursing gangs in eastern England

Welfare Considerations

Hares coursed by lurchers experience extreme fear and physical injury from pursuit and mauling. The welfare harm of illegal coursing affects thousands of hares annually. Effective enforcement requires landowner cooperation, police resources, and deterrent sentencing.

What You Can Do

Report suspected hare coursing to police immediately with vehicle registrations if safe to record
Support League Against Cruel Sports coursing enforcement campaigns
Advocate for increased penalties for hare coursing under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act