Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Hare Welfare in the UK

Brown hares face welfare challenges from coursing, agricultural machinery, and habitat loss, making them a priority species for UK welfare efforts.

Key Facts

UK brown hare populations have declined by 80% since the 1960s
Hare coursing was banned in England in 2004 but illegal coursing continues
Agricultural machinery kills thousands of hares annually during harvesting
Bare stubble fields in autumn provide critical winter feeding habitat
Hare boxes and conservation headlands support population recovery on farmland

Welfare Considerations

Brown hares face welfare threats from illegal persecution and agricultural practices. Legal protection and farming practice changes can reduce individual suffering significantly.

What You Can Do

Report illegal hare coursing to the police and wildlife crime units
Support agri-environment schemes that benefit hare habitat
Advocate for harvest machinery guidance to minimise hare mortality