Hare coursing warning

With a lull over the summer, it is that time of year where hare coursing is bought to the forefront with an increase in the practice leading to many reports being made to the police.

Often associated with gambling, the definition of hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with dogs. Dogs are used to chase the hare across fields with the outcome of the dog to catch and kill the hare, as bets are placed. Hare coursing is illegal and was banned under the Hunting Act 2004.

Devastating damage and destruction is often caused to farmers and landowners properties, as well as local communities following a visit from hare coursers. Members often report damage to crops, abusive behaviour and violence when they encounter these criminals.

In 2018, the CLA developed a Hare Coursing Action Plan and have since lobbied alongside several rural and environmental groups to help secure changes to tackle this blight on the countryside.

In August 2022, the CLA welcomed significant changes made to the legislation surrounding the practice of Hare Coursing.

These measures introduced stiffer penalties meaning that anyone caught taking part in illegal hare coursing can face unlimited fines and up to six months in prison.

Two new criminal offences were also added to the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 – Trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare; and being equipped to trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare. The Act gives extra powers to the courts including being able to disqualify convicted offenders from owning or keeping dogs, and reclaiming police kenneling costs from the offender.

In addition, the legislation now carries a penalty for trespassing in pursuit of game under the Game Acts (Game Act 1831 and Night Poaching Act 1928), an unlimited fine and/or six months imprisonment. Furthermore, the legislation also gives courts two new powers - the ability to recoup kennelling costs incurred by police forces between arrests, and the ability to make an order disqualifying the guilty party from owning or keeping a dog if convicted.

Midlands Rural Adviser, Helen Dale regularly attends rural crime meetings across the region and keeps up to date with the latest from each area.

One of the key messages that we are hearing from these meetings is that crimes must be reported. This helps the police build up a bank of intelligence to understand where their resources would be put to best use.

The CLA prides itself on supporting farmers, landowners and rural businesses ensuring that they have a say on a variety of important rural matters. Regular communication with outside organisations such as police forces ensures that their concerns continue to be heard.

If you have experienced rural crime and feel that you need advice, please call the CLA Midlands office on 01785 337010.