What is hare coursing?
On 5th January 2022 the UK Government set out plans to strengthen the powers and penalties available for those that choose to target hare(s). Hare coursing is a barbaric blood sport, where dogs – often greyhounds or lurchers – are used to chase hare to the point of physical exhaustion, catch them, and rip them apart.
Hare coursing is a serious problem in rural areas, with many landowners and farmers suffering the financial and economic consequences, with rural theft, criminal damage and violence being used by perpetrators.
Despite being fairly widespread across the British Countryside, the Brown Hare population is declining at an alarming rate. Currently it is estimated less than 500,000 remain in our countryside.
Hare coursing and the Law
Historically, as hare coursing is an illegal activity under the Game Acts of 1831 and 1828, the consequences have mirrored the archaic time in which the acts were made, and quite frankly were pitiful.
Today, in a new year, this is changing.
The plans include:
- Increasing the maximum penalty to an unlimited fine, and a maximum of up to 6 months’ imprisonment.
- Two new offences to include: ‘intention of using a dog to pursue a hare’ and ‘being equipped to trespass with the intention of using a dog to pursue a hare’ with the same maximum penalty as actually committing the crime
- Upon conviction, the reimbursement of kenneling costs incurred by authorities where dogs have been seized in connection to hare coursing.
- Powers to disqualify an offender from owning or keeping a dog.
Read in more detail the new legislation changes.
Hare coursing has not only meant the brutal suffering of so many hares for so long, but has blighted our countryside. This strengthening is a sign that the tide is turning on animal cruelty and we are determined to see it end.
Written by Kate Parker, Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager
