Full Breakdown
England Implements Ban on Hare Shooting and Trail Hunting
12/21/2025, 12:30:40 AM
Overview of Legislative Changes
The UK government is set to announce significant changes to animal welfare laws, including a ban on shooting hares for most of the year and the prohibition of trail hunting. Currently, it is legal to shoot hares during their breeding season, which has raised concerns about the welfare of pregnant hares and their young, known as leverets. The new legislation aims to protect these animals by instituting a close season from February to October, during which hare hunting will be illegal.
Background & Context
The decision to implement these changes follows longstanding calls from animal welfare advocates who argue that existing regulations are insufficient. Campaigners have highlighted the suffering of foxes, which are often killed during trail hunts when hounds follow artificial scents. The Labour Party has emphasized the need for stricter animal welfare laws, with polling indicating that 79% of the public supports tightening regulations on fox hunting. The proposed legislation is also seen as a way to bolster Labour's standing among voters amid internal party challenges and economic pressures.
Key Figures & Groups
Mary Creagh, the nature minister, has been a vocal proponent of the new animal welfare strategy, 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.” Former Conservative environment secretary George Eustice also expressed support for the ban, emphasizing the importance of protecting species during their breeding periods.
Impact on Wildlife
Currently, approximately 200,000 hares are killed annually during organized shoots, particularly in February and March. This practice has severe consequences for leverets, which are often orphaned and left to starve. The new legislation aims to mitigate these impacts and address the declining population of brown hares, which has decreased by 80% over the past century in England and Wales.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the anticipated support for the new regulations, some landowners argue that hare populations are overabundant and that shooting is necessary for population control. This claim has been challenged by conservationists who point to the significant decline in hare numbers as evidence against overpopulation.
Official Statements & Responses
The government’s forthcoming announcement is expected to outline a comprehensive animal welfare strategy that aligns with Labour's manifesto commitments. Labour sources indicate that public sentiment strongly favors enhanced protections for animal welfare, with 85% of respondents believing there is a moral obligation to safeguard animal rights.
What's Next
The full details of the new animal welfare strategy will be revealed in an official announcement scheduled for Monday. This legislation is anticipated to not only protect hares but also reshape the landscape of animal welfare laws in the UK.
