The status of the Blue or Mountain Hare is to be reviewed by the Department of Agriculture.

The matter's been raised this week by North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson, who is concerned about what he claims is an upsurge in hare coursing of both Mountain and Brown Hares.

The practice, which uses dogs such as whippets to hunt the animals down, is illegal on the Island.

Mountain Hares are regarded as an introduced species to the Island and don't receive the same protection as brown hares which are a game species.

Speaking in the House of Keys this week, Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne said he's not aware of any upsurge in coursing, but agrees it is barbaric and needs to be stamped out.

He promised his department was taking action.