Bad Law

I live on a large stud in the depths of the Suffolk countryside.

This morning as I often do, I took my basset hounds for a long walk. Now what should happen if they go and chase a hare, which they do occasionally?

Am I breaking the law? Should I report myself to the Police?

What should happen too, if a hare comes into our garden as they do sometimes? Should I protect the hare, by keeping my hounds in the house all the time and only let them out on leads?