Wildlife

Wild Brown Hare Coursing Prosecution

Hare coursing causes significant welfare suffering and is illegal in the UK, requiring enforcement and community engagement to protect hares.

Key Facts

The Hunting Act 2004 banned hare coursing in England and Wales
Organised coursing gangs cause significant distress to hares during chases and attacks
Police operations including Operation Galileo have resulted in numerous prosecutions
Coursed hares suffer extreme fear during pursuit and often fatal injuries from dogs
Rural communities are targeted by coursing gangs who intimidate landowners

Welfare Considerations

Hare coursing causes extreme fear, exhaustion, and often fatal injury. The welfare cost to individual hares is severe. Police enforcement is a direct welfare intervention when it prevents coursing events. Supporting police operations and community reporting protects hare welfare from illegal persecution.

What You Can Do

Report suspected hare coursing to the police immediately
Support Operation Galileo and similar police wildlife crime operations
Contribute to hare population monitoring to track the impact of coursing on populations