Hare coursing was banned in England and Wales in 2004 but illegal coursing continues, causing significant individual welfare harm to brown hares.
Hares subject to illegal coursing experience intense fear during pursuit and severe physical trauma from dog attacks. Death from coursing involves bite wounds and internal injuries. Even hares that escape sustain the welfare cost of extreme fear and exertion. Repeated coursing events in areas where it is poorly policed cause chronic welfare impacts on local hare populations. Stronger enforcement of the Hunting Act, stiffer penalties, and better police resources for rural crime all reduce the welfare costs of ongoing illegal coursing.