Overview

This bill repeals the Hares Preservation Act 1892 and introduces a closed season (1 February to 30 July) for killing or taking hares in England and Wales. Exceptions are made for preventing serious crop damage, under specific conditions, and for dealing with already injured hares.

Description

The bill repeals the outdated Hares Preservation Act 1892. It establishes a closed season for hares from February 1st to July 30th, during which killing or taking hares is prohibited unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions include:

• Landowners or occupiers, or those authorized by them, can kill hares to prevent serious crop damage, provided they:
  • Have reasonable grounds to believe hares caused serious damage and further damage is likely.
  • Non-lethal methods have failed.
  • Their actions were necessary to prevent damage.
  • They either obtained a license under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or notified the local authority.
• Killing a severely injured hare, where recovery is unlikely, is permitted.
• Taking a disabled hare solely to tend to it and release it later is permitted.

Violation results in up to six months imprisonment, a level 5 fine, or both.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant impact on government spending. The main costs would relate to enforcement and potential legal challenges, however no figures are provided in the text.

Groups Affected

• Farmers: May be affected by the restrictions, but exceptions are made for crop protection.
• Hunters: Will be directly affected by the ban during the closed season.
• Landowners: Will need to comply with the new regulations and may have additional responsibilities.
• Wildlife conservationists: Potentially positively affected, as hare populations may benefit during the breeding season.
• Law enforcement agencies: Responsible for enforcing the new law.

Powered by nyModel