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<p>The Government has no current plans to legislate to introduce a close season for
hares in England. The Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021 made a commitment to
consider such legislation and it remains an option. An industry-led, non-statutory
code of practice to protect hares in England is already in place which states that
lethal control to prevent damage to crops should only be carried out in the winter
months of January and February when vegetation is low and hares are easily visible.
These months avoid the main breeding season and thereby reduce risks to dependent
young.</p><p>The Government has had no formal consultations with stakeholders on this
issue since the publication of the Action Plan for Animal Welfare but we have heard
representations from interested parties, both in support of and opposed to a close
season for hares.</p>
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