The UK government has announced a significant shift in wildlife protection laws, with a new ban on shooting brown hares in England for the majority of the year. This move forms a central part of a major animal welfare shake-up introduced by the Labour Party administration.
Ending a 'Devastating' Practice
Nature minister Mary Creagh confirmed the policy, stating to the Guardian that "brown hares are a cherished part of our countryside" and an iconic British species. She expressed firm determination to halt the animal's decline, criticising the long-standing practice of shooting during the breeding season as "simply wrong."
Currently, it remains legal to shoot hares while they breed. The new law will establish a modern "close season," effectively prohibiting the activity for most of the year to safeguard the population. Former Conservative environment secretary George Eustice had previously attempted to implement similar protections but was blocked by Number 10 during his tenure.
Impact and Historical Context
Eustice welcomed the change, highlighting the first principle of conservation as protecting species during breeding. He revealed a stark statistic: approximately 200,000 hares are killed annually in organised commercial shoots during February and March. This, he explained, has a catastrophic impact on orphaned young hares, known as leverets, which are left to starve.
The need for a close season has been recognised since Victorian times, with an 1892 Act attempting to regulate sales. However, ministers and campaigners agree this legislation is now outdated and ineffective. The current government's action is seen as finally closing this historical loophole.
Broader Public Support for Tighter Hunting Laws
The announcement aligns with strong public sentiment for stronger wildlife protections. Independent polling cited in the report shows that 79% of the public believe foxhunting laws should be tightened to prevent the accidental killing of foxes during so-called 'trail' hunts.
Chris Luffingham, director of campaigns for the League Against Cruel Sports, argued that the polling proves a public desire to close legal loopholes that allow hunts to kill foxes. He questioned how much evidence of animals being "ripped apart by dogs" is needed before politicians acknowledge the Hunting Act is failing to protect wild animals.
This landmark UK animal law change signifies a substantial policy shift, prioritising species welfare and responding to widespread public concern over hunting practices. The implementation of the hare shooting ban marks a decisive step in modernising the country's approach to wildlife conservation.
