Protect the mountain hare!

With my walks up in the Cairngorms over the summer in 2014, I got to see these inquisitive animals as I hiked. I hope you can sign the petition.

To: Ron Macdonald – Director of Policy and Advice, Scottish Natural Heritage

Please confer immediate, protected species status upon the mountain hare (Lepus timidus)

Why is this important?
Thousands of mountain hares are being shot and snared in Scotland because they allegedly carry a disease which reduces the number of grouse available to be shot for “sport”. In some areas where mountain hares were previously abundant they are now rare or extinct.

This is a national scandal. Scottish Natural Heritage is appealing for “voluntary restraint” from the grouse shooting lobby, but they have already had years to put their house in order. The time has now come for robust, properly enforced legislation to protect the mountain hare which is an important part of Scotland’s biodiversity and a revenue earning tourist attraction.

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