Rural Crime on the increase across Wales

There has been an increased spate of rural crime reported by members to CLA Cymru. This includes a surge in hare coursing, in some cases eliciting violent attempts by perpetrators, and involving organised crime. CLA Cymru is working closely with the police to highlight the need for an increased effort in rural areas. CLA Cymru Chair, Tom Homfray, recently met with his local MP, a South Wales Police representative and other local land managers to highlight the issues faced by our rural communities.

Please ensure you report any crime incidents to 101 and your local police force and if you are able to, please also report to the CLA, so we can use as evidence when lobbying for increased rural policing funding. In an emergency, always call 999.

On a positive note, the CLA’s lobbying efforts have helped secure Royal Assent for the Dog (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which will come into force this month. The Act extends the definition of livestock and includes llamas and alpacas. The new Act changes the maximum penalty an offender can be ordered to pay to an unlimited fine, as well as allowing a constable to seize and detain dogs that are suspected of attacking or worrying livestock. Additional changes allow for the collection of DNA samples and impressions from dogs when suspected of livestock attacks or worrying.

For further information or to report concerns, please contact Emily Church at Emily.Church@cla.org.uk.