‘All options’ will be examined to combat mass hare culling says FM

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said legislation to protect mountain hares is among options being examined by the government following the release of footage showing the animals being killed on a Scottish estate.

An investigation by Onekind, League Against Cruel Sports and Lush shows what the groups said were “military style” mass killing of the animals on grouse moors.

The animal rights charities have said the footage shows the agreement for voluntary restraint over culls has “failed”. With broadcaster Chris Packham they are calling for a cull ban until a review on the issue concludes. The Scottish Moorland group, representing land and rural businesses, said culling is “not only legal but necessary”.

Green MSP Alison Johnstone raised the “sickening slaughter” at First Minister’s Questions, saying: “When will the Scottish Government introduce new legal protection for this fabulous, iconic animal?”

Ms Sturgeon said she shared Ms Johnstone’s “anger”, adding: “Large-scale culling of mountain hares could put the conservation status at risk and that is clearly unacceptable.

“I want to be very clear today that the government is exploring all available options to prevent mass culls of mountain hares and one of those options is legislation.

“What we are seeing is not acceptable”

She said officials would meet with landowners, gamekeepers and environmentalists.

Mountain hare killing is not monitored in Scotland, however a Scottish National Heritage study estimated 25,000 were killed in 2006-7 – between 5-14 per cent of the total population.

Animal campaigners said about 40 per cent of hares killed are shot for sport shooting, and 50 per cent as part of organised culls.