page_title: Hare coursing
section_title: Debate and legislation
hierarchical_section_title: Hare coursing / Debate and legislation
caption_attribution_description: English: bromide print
context_page_description: Hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with greyhounds and other sighthounds, which chase the hare by sight, not by scent.
  In some countries, it is a legal, competitive activity in which dogs are tested on their ability to run, overtake and turn a hare, rather than a form of hunting aiming at the capture of game. It has a number of variations in its rules around the world. Coursing can also be a form of hunting or pest control. It is a long-established hunting technique, practiced historically in England, especially 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 animal welfare legislation.
  In recent decades, controversy has developed around hare coursing, with some viewing it as a cruel bloodsport.
  Hare coursing is illegal in Scotland, Wales and England and became illegal in Northern Ireland in 2011. It, however, continues elsewhere in the world as a regulated and judged, competitive sport, in places like the Republic of Ireland, Iberia, and the Western United States.
caption: UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson tried and failed to ban hare coursing in 1969 and 1975.
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