Hares: Close Season

Lord Randall of Uxbridge Excerpts

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Randall of Uxbridge]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to bring forward legislation to introduce a close season for hares.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Baroness Hayman of Ullock) (Lab)]

My Lords, the hare is a much-loved species in this country, and England is among the few European countries that do not have a close season on shooting hares during their breeding season. This is a terrible oversight, and this Government’s animal welfare strategy has made a commitment to

“consider how to … introduce a close season for hares”.

It will require a suitable primary legislative vehicle, and Defra is exploring every opportunity to find one.

[Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Con)]

I thank the Minister. I know she shares my frustration at the length of time it is taking for this legislation to appear. Although the hare can hide in the long grass, it is about time we flush it out. If the Minister has any suggestions for how we can advance this legislation I would be most grateful.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord and others in this Chamber for their huge support to further this legislation. As I said, it needs primary legislation. Legislative slots are always tight, but we are actively looking at how we can find a space during this Parliament. I think the best way that people can help is to express why this is so important and the difference it would make to hares, and to demonstrate that this country is an anomaly in not having a close season.