The UK has two species of hares, the European, or brown hare, and the mountain hare. While the brown hare is found all over the UK, the mountain hare is only found in Scotland and Ireland.
I am glad the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 introduced measures to strengthen the powers and penalties available to enable law enforcement agencies to crack down on the crime of hare coursing, although it has in fact been banned since the Hunting Act 2004. It is a vile and despicable activity which not only involves cruelty to wild animals but is also associated with a range of other criminal activities, including theft, criminal damage, violence and intimidation.
These powers include increasing the maximum penalty for trespassing in pursuit of game to an unlimited fine and introducing, for the first time, the possibility of up to six months’ imprisonment. In addition, the measures include two new criminal offences: first, trespassing with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare; and second, being equipped to trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare. These are both punishable on conviction by an unlimited fine and/or up to six months’ imprisonment. Additionally, I understand that courts have new powers to, on conviction, disqualify an offender from owning or keeping a dog, as well as order the reimbursement of costs incurred by the police in kennelling dogs seized in connection with a hare coursing-related offence.
Finally, I am aware of calls to introduce a close season for hare hunting. I understand that, on the 26th March 2025, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said:
"While the Government has no immediate plan to introduce a close season for hares in England, the policy remains under consideration".
I will follow any developments closely. Thank you again for taking the time to write and share your concerns regarding our wildlife protection laws.
