A hounded animal (4)

I believe the answer is:

hare

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'animal' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Swift animal ' mean 'hare' so perhaps 'animal' could also mean 'hare')

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hare that I've seen before include "Mammal - run fast" , "Rabbit-like creature" , "Run with great speed" , "'Swift, long-eared animal (4)'" , "Mammal like a large rabbit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app