England to Ban Hare Shooting During Most of the Year
Shooting hares in England will be banned for most of the year under major changes to animal welfare law, aimed at protecting breeding animals and their young.
New Close Season Protects Breeding Hares
The new regulations will prohibit hare hunting between February and October, covering the key breeding months. Currently, hares can be legally shot during this period, leaving pregnant females to bleed out and often orphaning leverets, the animals’ young.
The ban is expected to apply to all forms of hare shooting, whether for sport, meat, or population control. Experts note that claims of overpopulation are questionable, as brown hare numbers in England and Wales have fallen by around 80% over the past century.
Ministers are also expected to announce a ban on trail hunting, in which hounds follow a scent trail rather than pursue a live animal. Campaigners argue that even “artificial” trails can put foxes at risk when hounds accidentally encounter live animals.
The planned legislative pathway for the ban on trail hunting fulfills a manifesto commitment and forms part of a wider animal welfare strategy to be announced shortly.
The nature minister, Mary Creagh, said: “Brown hares are a cherished part of our countryside, an iconic British species, and it’s simply wrong that so many are shot during breeding season. I am determined to stop the decline of this wonderful animal.”
Public Support for Stricter Animal Welfare Laws
Polling indicates strong public backing for the reforms: 85% of respondents believe there is a moral duty to protect animal welfare, and previous surveys showed 79% of the public support tighter foxhunting laws to prevent accidental killings during trail hunts.
The announcement comes amid wider political pressures for Labour, including recent infighting, rising living costs, and a slump in polls. Supporters hope the new animal welfare package will boost public confidence in the party.
George Eustice, the former Conservative Environment Secretary, attempted to implement a close season for hares but was blocked by No 10 Downing Street.
He said: “The first principle of conservation is to protect species during their breeding season, so it is excellent news that the government will now create a modern close season on the shooting of hares. Every year, approximately 200,000 hares are killed in organised, commercial shoots during February and March and this has a devastating impact on the orphaned leverets, which are left to starve to death.
“Even the Victorians recognised the need for a close season but the 1892 act was based on a ban on sales, so no longer works. The current government deserves credit for finally getting this important change done.”
The new legislation represents a significant step toward protecting England’s hares and promoting ethical wildlife management.
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