As of 1st August 2022, new legislation means that perpetrators face up to six months in prison and an UNLIMITED fine upon conviction. It also allows the courts to disqualify people from owning animals for life.
Hare coursing is an illegal activity where people use dogs to chase, catch and kill hares – often forcing a tug-o-war style death in the process.
Rural areas across the country are blighted by hare coursers and, not only does it involve immense levels of cruelty to animals, it is also associated with other criminal activities, violence and induced fear in rural communities.
As hare coursing was banned under legislation dating back to the 19th century the penalties up until now have been pitiful in relation to modern society, so we welcome the new amendments and increased sentences and powers for police to enforce it.
OP GALILEO is a policing operation which has gone from strength to strength and now has 36 forces on board, committed to combat hare coursing.
We fully support the police with the enforcement of this barbaric activity and we look to continue to pressure the government to strengthen other areas of animal welfare legislation.
