1. Hares are the only game species which are not protected by a ‘close season’ in England and Wales: a period of the year during which they cannot be shot and killed.

2. Other ‘game’ species – such as deer, pheasants and partridges, to name a few – are all protected by a close season. Hares can be shot at any time of year, including during the crucial months of February to September, when they typically raise their young.

3. The UK government should establish a ‘close season’ for hares from 1st February to 30th September inclusive, to coincide with the main breeding season for hares.

4. This would help prevent the killing of pregnant and nursing hares – and the subsequent starvation of dependent leverets – while supporting the UK’s biodiversity targets.

5. Scotland and the rest of Europe already protect hares in this way. Only in England and Wales does this anomaly persist.

Chloe Dalton is calling on the Government to stop the shooting of hares during their peak breeding season, by establishing a legally enforceable close season for hares in England and Wales, from 1st February to 30th September.

Private Members Bill Baroness Arminka Helic introduced a Hares (Close Season) Bill in the House of Lords in November 2024

Early Day Motion Ruth Jones MP has tabled this Early Day Motion: in the House of Commons on 23 April 2025.

Petition Chloe Dalton’s petition gained 50,000 signatures, demonstrating the strong public support for a close season

Animal Welfare Strategy On the 22 December 2025, the Government published its Animal Welfare Strategy, in which it announced its commitment to the implementation of a close season for hares.

Chloe Dalton has written an open letter to the Prime Minister along with veterinarians, conservationists, authors, members of the shooting community, landowners, historians and others.

Read the open letter HERE

If would like to support the close season for the protection of hares by sending a letter to your local MP, please find a draft and guidance HERE.

Shooting hares in England to be banned for most of the year

THE GUARDIAN | 20 DECEMBER 2025

guardian.com

Why is introducing a law to protect hares going at a tortoise’s pace?

THE FINANCIAL TIMES | 16 JUNE 2025

ft.com

Respite for hares as officials back a close season for hunting

THE TIMES | 1 JUNE 2025

thetimes.com

Limit hare shooting to stem their dramatic decline

THE TIMES | 24 MARCH 2025

thetimes.com