Wildlife

Wild Brown Hare Conservation and Welfare

Brown hares have declined significantly in the UK and face welfare threats from agricultural intensification, hare coursing, and disease.

Key Facts

UK brown hare populations have declined by 80% since the 1950s
Hares rely on grassland diversity and field margins for cover and food
Hare coursing with dogs causes significant welfare suffering before death
Leverets born above ground are vulnerable to agricultural machinery
European Brown Hare Syndrome is a fatal viral disease affecting UK populations

Welfare Considerations

Hares experience acute suffering during coursing - a prolonged chase followed by injury or death. Agricultural machinery kills leverets that cannot escape. Population decline means individual hares face greater difficulty finding suitable habitat, increasing physiological stress from poor nutrition and exposure. Ending coursing and creating hare-friendly farmland habitat address both welfare and conservation needs.

What You Can Do

Report suspected hare coursing to the police immediately
Support the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust hare habitat improvement schemes
Create field margins with long grass and varied vegetation on agricultural land