Proposed Law Changes to Protect the Isle of Man Mountain Hare Need to be Strengthened

Thousands have now signed a petition calling for mountain hares on the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin) to be classed as a protected species. Proposals in the Manx draft Animal Welfare Bill would see the species reclassified from vermin to game. This comes as dwindling numbers of the mountain hare on the Island are causing concern.  The Isle of Man Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said the proposed reclassification would help to protect the "dwindling numbers" by reducing the hunting of the species. The planned changes would mean those who wish to hunt mountain hares would have to apply for a licence to do so during a restricted season.

However, the Manx Wildlife Trust (Manx: Treisht Vanninagh Y Doogys Feie) stated whilst supporting the creation of a new bill, the measures for protecting hares does "not go far enough" to protect the animal. They and others are calling for upping the hares status to "protected" and not "game" or "vermin". The petition calling for this was set up by Amanda Reynolds and can be found on this link. Also vitaly important in this campaign for mountain hares to be classified as "protected" rather than" game" is for people to make this clear when responding to The Animal Welfare Bill 2021 consultation which is available online until Monday 5th April 2021.