MP for Bosworth, Dr Luke Evans, has backed plans to strengthen the powers and penalties available to tackle the barbaric practice of hare coursing, after several local farmers and the local NFU contacted him before Christmas regarding the issue.
Hare coursing is an illegal activity - where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares - and is a serious problem in some rural areas, including locally in Bosworth. Not only does hare coursing involve cruelty to wild animals, it is also associated with a range of other criminal activities, including theft, criminal damage to crops and property, violence and intimidation.
Brown hares are widespread across the UK but their numbers are declining, with their population estimated at less than half a million in England.
In amendments tabled to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, the Government has set out measures to strengthen law enforcement. The proposals include 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.
For hare coursing specifically by increasing penalties, introducing new criminal offences and creating new powers for the courts to disqualify convicted offenders from owning or keeping dogs – this includes an order to reimburse the costs incurred when dogs are seized in kennels.
In recent months, the Bosworth MP has met local police to discuss rural issues and rural crime, visited Gopsall Fly Fishing Club on the River Sence to raise awareness of illegal fishing, and ran a rural survey to hear local views on issues like hare coursing.
Dr Luke Evans said: “After hare coursing was a particular problem locally before Christmas, I’m pleased to support these new plans to help tackle this barbaric crime, which significantly affects local farmers. Farmers and those who work on the land should not have to deal with intimidation, trespassers and damage to their property, so I am pleased this will give further powers to the Police and the rural crime team to help deal with these offences.”
“I would encourage local farmers and rural workers to get in touch with me if they are experiencing problems, and I’ll continue to work with local police, farmers, and the NFU on these issues.”
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.”
“We are introducing new measures in the Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to empower and equip the police and courts with the powers they need to combat this crime. They will deter those breaking the law, and send a clear message that we will do all we can to keep our rural communities safe.”
You can find out more about the new plans here: https://bit.ly/3HyAN9c
