Wildlife

Wild UK Hare Management and Ethics

Ethical and welfare considerations in brown hare population management, including the debate over hare courses.

Key Facts

Brown hares are managed as a game species in some areas through shooting
The lack of a close season for hares in England allows shooting of leverets in spring
Hare population surveys are essential for evidence-based management
Illegal hare coursing using dogs causes significant distress and injury before death
Hares are intelligent, social animals with complex behaviors suggesting rich inner lives

Welfare Considerations

Hare management involves multiple welfare dimensions from legal hunting to illegal persecution through coursing. The welfare significance of illegal coursing is severe and unambiguous. Legal management questions about close seasons and population sustainability are more nuanced but equally important.

What You Can Do

Support campaigners seeking a legal close season for hares in England
Report illegal hare coursing immediately to police
Engage with the ethical debate around hare hunting and management