Today, I am pleased to say the Government have tabled amendments to the PCSC Bill on hare coursing (chasing hares with dogs), including tougher sentencing and improved police powers to tackle this cruel practice.
Brown hare numbers are declining in the UK, and while hare coursing is already an illegal activity, the Government's new steps announced today will further deter would-be criminals from engaging in this act. This will mean:
- Two new criminal offences: firstly, trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare; and secondly, being equipped to trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare both punishable on conviction by an unlimited fine and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.
- Increasing the maximum penalty for trespassing in pursuit of game under the Game Acts to an unlimited fine and introducing – for the first time – the possibility of up to six months’ imprisonment.
- New powers for the courts to order, on conviction, the reimbursement of costs incurred by the police in kennelling dogs seized in connection with a hare coursing-related offence.
- New powers for the courts to make an order, on conviction, disqualifying an offender from owning or keeping a dog.
This is another really positive step as we continue to take steps to strengthen animal welfare in this country, protect threatened species and act on our landmark Biodiversity Action Plan, as well as support the brilliant work of the police in supporting and protecting rural communities.
