England to Implement Year-Long Ban on Hare Shooting During Breeding Season

New Close Season to Protect Vulnerable Hare Populations

England is poised to introduce a significant new measure that will ban the shooting of hares for the majority of the year. The prohibition, expected to be announced as part of a comprehensive animal welfare strategy, will establish a 'close season' from February to October, aiming to safeguard hares during their crucial breeding period. This move has been widely welcomed by conservation groups concerned about the species' welfare and declining numbers.

Addressing Decades of Decline and Welfare Concerns

The decision comes in response to alarming statistics revealing an approximate 80% decline in brown hare populations across England and Wales over the past century. Currently, it remains legal to shoot hares during their breeding season, a practice that often results in pregnant females being killed and their young, known as leverets, being orphaned and left to starve. Nature minister Mary Creagh underscored the importance of the new legislation, stating, '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.' Estimates suggest that around 200,000 hares are killed annually in organised commercial shoots during February and March alone.

Legislative Context and Previous Efforts

Unlike Scotland, which has a close season for brown hares from February 1 to September 30, England and Wales have historically lacked a statutory close season for these animals. Hares are classified as 'game' under the Game Act 1831 and 'ground game' by the Ground Game Act 1880, which has allowed year-round shooting with few restrictions. While the Hares Preservation Act 1892 made it an offence to sell hares between March and July, this legislation is considered outdated and ineffective in preventing the killing of hares during their breeding season. Efforts to introduce a close season have been ongoing for years, with former Conservative environment secretary George Eustice having previously attempted to implement such a measure. More recently, Baroness Helic introduced the Hares (Close Season) Bill in November 2024, proposing a close season from February 1 to September 30, which is currently awaiting its second reading.

Broader Animal Welfare Reforms

The ban on hare shooting is part of a broader package of animal welfare reforms being pursued by the government. Alongside this measure, ministers are also expected to announce the implementation of a ban on trail hunting, a practice that has drawn criticism for often being used as a 'smokescreen' for the illegal hunting of wild animals. Public sentiment appears to support these changes, with polling indicating that 85% of the public believe there is a moral duty to protect animal welfare. These reforms aim to bring England's animal protection laws in line with those in other parts of the UK and Europe, reflecting a growing commitment to wildlife conservation and ethical treatment of animals.