Welfare impacts of illegal hare coursing on brown hares and the enforcement response.
Key Facts
Hare coursing was banned in England and Wales under the Hunting Act 2004
Illegal coursing continues causing significant welfare harm to hares
Hares experience extreme fear and physical injury during coursing incidents
Police wildlife crime units work with landowners to deter and prosecute coursers
Coursing gangs also cause property damage and intimidation of rural communities
Welfare Considerations
Illegal hare coursing causes acute terror and physical suffering to hares, and enforcement of the Hunting Act is an important welfare protection measure.
What You Can Do
Report suspected hare coursing to police on 999 or rural crime units
Support organisations monitoring and prosecuting wildlife crime
Advocate for stronger penalties for wildlife crime including hare coursing