French hare farm accused of cruelty in breeding for hunting trade
A hare breeding farm in southern France is facing allegations of animal cruelty. The facility, located in Labarthe-Rivière, Haute-Garonne, supplies young hares for recreational hunting. Activists claim the animals are kept in cramped conditions for years before being released into the wild for hunters.
The farm breeds field hares, which are later sold to hunting clubs across southern France. Prices range from €60 to €100 per animal, depending on age. These clubs then release the hares into the wild under the term 'restocking'—a practice used to boost numbers for recreational shooting.
Environmental activists argue that the hares suffer significant stress. They are confined in cages too small for their needs, sometimes for three to four years. The conditions have drawn criticism, with claims that the treatment amounts to cruelty. This method mirrors the breeding and release of other game species in France, such as partridges, ducks, and wild boar. However, no evidence was found linking the farm to a broader network of commercial hare breeding operations in the country.
The allegations highlight concerns over the welfare of hares bred for hunting. Young animals are sold to clubs, which then release them for recreational purposes. The farm in Haute-Garonne remains under scrutiny as activists push for changes in how game animals are treated.
