Massive fines for hare coursers welcomed by CLA
© Tim Scrivener The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has welcomed the impact of tougher penalties being imposed on hare coursers, which are believed to be reducing the number of incidents of this illegal activity.
The previous Conservative government introduced tough new measures for anyone going equipped for hare coursing or caught poaching hares under the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act of 2022.
Since the new legislation came into force on 1 August 2022, there have been a number of convictions for hare-coursing criminals, which have resulted in large fines and banning orders.
See also: What to do if you’re a victim of… hare coursing
Only last week, three men were told to pay more than £52,000 in fines and costs, handed 10-year Criminal Behaviour Orders, driving bans, and suffered the loss of their dogs and equipment after being sentenced for hare coursing in Spalding, Lincolnshire back in November 2022.
Samuel Sheady senior, 44, Samuel Sheady junior, 23, both from Bro Gwilym, Wrexham, and Jason Davies, 35, of Lower Ecton Road, Northampton, all pleaded guilty to the offence of being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs.
The three men are appealing against the sentence, which was handed down at Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court.
‘Strong deterrent’ – CLA
Claire Wright, the CLA’s national access adviser who also leads on hare coursing and poaching offences, said the convictions send a strong deterrent message to would-be poachers.
“This provides reassurance to farmers and rural communities that police and the courts are serious about tackling this scourge on the countryside,” Ms Wright added.
Hare coursing is a form of illegal hunting where dogs are used to chase down hares, often accompanied by large bets.
This activity is linked to other forms of organised crime, such as drug dealing and machinery theft.
To combat this, police forces have joined together under Operation Galileo, sharing best practices and intelligence on hare coursers. This co-ordinated approach has reportedly reduced the number of incidents.
Additionally, poor weather in August and September has also helped deter hare coursers, as wet conditions make farmland difficult to navigate without risking vehicles becoming stuck.
But dry conditions could see an increase in such activities.
Hare coursing – What you can do
Farmers and landowners who witness hare coursing in progress are urged to call 999 immediately, the CLA advises.
Under no circumstances should they put themselves in danger. But if they can safely record information, such as vehicle registration plates and descriptions of the offenders, they should do so.
If a suspected hare-coursing activity has taken place on a farm, this should be reported to police on 101, or emailed via the online 101 reporting system, which can save farmers time. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.
The CLA warns hare coursers are serious criminals and they can be violent, so farmers should be wary of engaging with perpetrators.
Farmers are also encouraged to join Countryside Watch schemes or WhatsApp groups to share information on illegal activities.