Brown hare populations have declined significantly in the UK, while hare coursing - setting dogs to chase hares - causes suffering and was banned in England in 2004 but illegal coursing continues.
Brown hares targeted by coursing experience extreme fear, exhaustion, and frequently severe injury or death from dog attacks. Even 'successful' escapes may result in injury or death from stress and injury. The decline of hare populations means the remaining individuals are more valuable both ecologically and in welfare terms.