Commons1st reading

Hares (Close Season) Bill

A Bill to create an offence of killing, injuring or taking hares at certain times of the year.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

17 November 2022

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Hares (Close Season) Bill would make it illegal to kill, injure or take hares during a defined close season. It aims to protect hare populations by establishing protected periods, with details such as dates and any exemptions to be set out in the Bill.

Key Points

Creates a close season for hares with offences for killing, injuring or taking hares during that period.
Offences and penalties (where applicable) would be set out in the legislation.
Aims to support hare conservation and welfare by limiting hunting during sensitive times.
The Bill is currently at its first reading in the House of Commons.
Originates in the House of Commons and falls under crime and justice (with technology relevance).

Progress

The Bill is at its first reading in the House of Commons; there is no record of further stages in the information provided.

Who is affected?

Hare hunters and trappers (individuals and organisations)Landowners, farmers, and gamekeepers who manage hare populationsWildlife conservation and animal welfare organisationsRural communities and members of the public who engage with hares

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

20 Jun 2022

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Hares (Close Season) Bill

20 Jun 2022

Order for second reading on Friday 9 December, read and discharged.

Bill withdrawn.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Hares (Close Season) Bill | TrackPolitics