Hare coursing

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Hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with greyhounds and other sighthounds, which chase the hare by sight, not by scent. In most countries it has been banned for cruelty, however in some countries it remains a regulated activity with live animals. Dogs are set to chase and try to overtake and turn a hare, rather than hunting to capture or kill the game. It has a number of variations in its rules around the world. Coursing has been used in the past as a form of hunting and pest control. It is a long-established form of hunting, practiced historically in England with greyhounds or sighthound breeds, or with lurchers which are crossbred sighthounds. The sport grew in popularity in Europe during the 19th century but has since experienced a decline due in part to the introduction of greyhound racing with betting, and laws passed that have banned the practice. In recent decades, controversy has developed around hare coursing, with some viewing the bloodsport as too cruel and a form of torture for both hares and dogs. Hare coursing is illegal in the United Kingdom. In other countries, including Spain, Portugal, Ireland and the Western United States, it is a regulated sport, however with some public protest. In 2026 an attempt to ban the activity in Ireland was defeated after Sinn Féin backed the Government.