NFU East Anglia welcome plans to crackdown on hare-coursing
If approved by Parliament, police could give out unlimited fines and arrest those involved
NFU East Anglia has welcomed Government plans to crackdown on hare-coursing.
Ministers say the plans to introduce tougher sentences and greater powers to combat coursing, which sees dogs used to chase, catch and kill hares, will tackle animal cruelty and other criminal activities associated with it.
Hare coursing targets brown hares, a declining species threatened by poaching and habitat loss, and is associated with theft, criminal damage, violence and intimidation of landowners who challenge the criminals.
The proposed legislation includes increasing the possible penalties for trespassing in pursuit of game to an unlimited fine and – for the first time – a prison sentence of up to six months.
Two new criminal offences for hare coursing will also be introduced, which will be punishable by unlimited fines and prison sentences of up to six months.
And there will be new powers for the courts to ensure police are reimbursed for the costs of kennelling dogs used in coursing and to disqualify convicted offenders from owning or keeping a dog.
Gary Ford, the regional director of NFU for our area says it's an issue that seriously affects local people: "We carried out a survey of our members in April last year asking them about whether they had been a victim of rural crime.
"Two thirds of those who responded said they had been impacted by hare-coursing. So, this news really is, very very welcome. We embrace animal welfare and we want the best for livestock. Setting dogs on hares absolutely goes against everything we believe in".
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “There are persistent groups who illegally perpetuate hare coursing, creating challenges for the police.
“These new measures will give the police the additional powers to bring prosecutions and confiscate dogs from owners involved in hare coursing.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Illegal hare coursing has blighted rural communities for too long, resulting in criminal damage, threating violence and intimidation against farmers and landowners.
“Those responsible are often involved in other criminal activities – including drugs and firearms offences.
“I have been a longstanding supporter for essential reforms to our laws to stop hare coursing which is why we will act to prevent more people from suffering as a result of the actions of a law-breaking minority.”
Gary Ford added that they still need help to make these laws a reality: "We really do need our regional MPs to support this amendment. They have been very supportive on this and for that we are very grateful.
"But we've got a little way to go on this before we get it into law. But we're nearly there and it's so important to farmers and the rural community".
He concluded by saying these proposals are a great way to start the new year: "It's very positive news and it gives us that encouragement and confidence that we can continue to work closely with Government and decision-makers so that we see pro-farming and wildlife legislation in the future".