Government proposals to tackle hare coursing welcomed

21/01/2022

This week, government proposals to address illegal hare coursing were taken forward to the next stage of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

In recent years, there has been mounting pressure from a range of rural and animal welfare stakeholders for action to address the continuing problem of illegal hare coursing, which remains a serious issue in some rural areas.

Subject to parliamentary approval, and following Royal Assent to the Bill, the measures will come into force via commencement regulations.

Chair of the National Rural Crime Network, Suffolk PCC Tim Passmore commented:

“The changes to the legislation on illegal hare coursing are very welcome. This includes greatly enhanced powers for the courts which should result in much stiffer sentences for those found guilty of this despicable crime

“By focussing on the illicit use of dogs combined with the new sanctions available will act as a powerful deterrent to the criminals involved.

“All rural communities across England and Wales will, I am sure, give this new legislation their whole-hearted support.”

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