Overview

This bill proposes a close season for killing or taking hares in England and Wales, running from February 1st to September 30th. It also repeals the existing ban on selling hares from the Hares Preservation Act 1892, allowing for their sale year-round.

Description

The bill establishes a closed season for hares, prohibiting their killing or capture between February 1st and September 30th. Anyone violating this will face up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine. However, exceptions exist:

• Landowners, occupiers, or their authorised representatives can kill hares to prevent serious crop damage, provided they have a license under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and can demonstrate the action was necessary and proportionate after attempting non-lethal methods.
• It's not an offense to kill a severely injured hare (through no fault of the killer) with no chance of recovery.
• Taking a disabled hare solely to tend to it and release it later is also permitted.

The bill also repeals the Hares Preservation Act 1892, specifically removing the seasonal ban on hare sales.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not directly specified in the text provided. Costs may arise from enforcement, potential legal challenges or adjustments to wildlife management strategies. Specific figures are not available.

Groups Affected

• Farmers: May benefit from the ability to control hare populations causing crop damage, but must adhere to licensing and other stipulations.
• Hunters: Will be restricted during the close season.
• Wildlife conservation groups: May have varying opinions depending on their specific objectives. The bill could positively affect hare populations during the breeding season.
• Game dealers and restaurants: Will be able to trade hare year-round after the repeal of the existing sales restrictions.

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