Overview

This bill aims to update hare protection laws in England and Wales. It repeals the outdated Hares Preservation Act 1892 and introduces a closed season (February 1st to July 30th) during which killing or taking hares is prohibited, except under specific circumstances.

Description

The bill repeals the Hares Preservation Act 1892. It then makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure, or take a hare or leveret between February 1st and July 30th (the closed season). Exceptions exist:

• Landowners, lawful occupiers, or their authorized personnel may kill hares to prevent serious crop damage, providing they meet specific conditions:
  • Reasonable belief of serious damage caused by hares.
  • Likelihood of further serious damage.
  • Failure of non-lethal methods.
  • Necessity of the action.
  • Either a license under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or notification to the local authority.
• Killing a seriously injured hare (not caused by unlawful action) is permitted.
• Taking a disabled hare (not caused by unlawful action) for tending and subsequent release is permitted.

The penalty for violating the act is up to six months imprisonment, a level 5 fine, or both.

The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into force one month after being passed.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated. Enforcement costs may increase, but no figures are provided in the text.

Groups Affected

• Farmers: May be impacted by restrictions on hare culling to protect crops, requiring adherence to strict conditions for exceptions.
• Landowners: Similar to farmers, they will be subject to the new regulations and exceptions.
• Hunters: Will likely be affected by the prohibition on hare hunting during the closed season.
• Wildlife Conservation Groups: Potentially positively affected by increased protection for hares during their breeding season.
• Law Enforcement: Will be responsible for enforcing the new legislation.

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