A Conservative repeal of the 2004 Hunting Act would accelerate the demise of our iconic brown hares, already listed in 2011 for potential extinction by 2050.
One third of the hunts (with dogs) in England and Wales target these declining hares, not foxes.
The Act also outlaws hare coursing but a repeal would further encourage this intrusive and destructive activity, already so distressing to farmers and problematic to police forces countrywide.
MORE: Should the hunting act be repealed? Or do Norfolk's MPs have more important issues to tackle in the run-up to Brexit?The police would, as a result of repeal, have reduced legal powers against the coursing perpetrators.
John Rimington BSc, Technical Liaison Officer, Hare Preservation Trust
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