Tougher approach as hare coursing sentencing rules refreshed

The Sentencing Council has published new guidelines for sentencing hare coursing offenders, with courts required to "fully recognise the harm these offences cause".

The CLA has welcomed the guidelines, which follow a 12-week public consultation and come into effect on 1 June.

Courts are also signposted to two new orders introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act 2022: a Dog Disqualification Order and a Recovery Order. These allow courts to disqualify offenders from owning a dog, and order offenders to repay the costs of a dog's seizure and detention.

Further changes include an increase in the sentencing starting points — with the top of the range for the most serious cases now set at 18 weeks, and improved signposting to compensation orders and confiscation orders.

Claire Wright, CLA national lead on poaching and hare coursing, said:

“Hare coursing is a brutal crime with far-reaching consequences, so we welcome the new sentencing guidelines.

“Coursing impacts not only wildlife but also the safety, wellbeing and livelihoods of those living and working in the countryside. Courts must take cases seriously and deliver the strongest sentences possible to send out a clear message to offenders.”

Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, said:

“I welcome these guidelines and I am confident we can continue to improve the policing response to hare coursing and know that consistent justice will follow.

"Sentences across the country varies depending on several factors, and having guidance in place will lead to more proportionate and consistent sentencing across the UK and protect our communities.”