Tougher hare coursing penalties welcomed by Police bosses
People convicted of the offence can now be jailed for at least 18 weeks
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner is welcoming new guidance that aim to deliver harsher penalties on those convicted of hare coursing offences.
Philip Wilkinson said it's not an insignificant issue in rural counties like Wiltshire: "It is criminal behaviour that damages property, harms wildlife, intimidates farmers and is frequently linked to organised crime.”
Mr Wilkinson added that hare coursing inflicts damage on property, wildlife, and farmers, often with links to organised crime.
The guidelines clarify the seriousness of hare coursing, now considered organised criminal activity, with sentencing linked to harm caused and the offender's culpability.
Judges are now required to assess the offence's seriousness, considering factors like planning, intimidation, and financial motivations, with serious cases potentially leading to custodial sentences starting at 18 weeks.
Financial penalties are also strengthened to ensure fines remove any profit from the crime.
The PCC described the new guidelines as a major step forward: “For the first time, there is clear guidance that captures what our rural communities see on the ground: organised groups travelling into our county, using intimidation, damaging land and putting people at risk, all for profit.
“It is right that the courts now have a framework that reflects both the level of planning involved and the very real harm caused.”
Mr Wilkinson encourages using ancillary powers, like seizing vehicles and banning offenders from owning dogs, emphasising that these measures aim to deter and disrupt offending.
Despite stronger powers, Mr Wilkinson highlighted the need for consistent understanding and application across the justice system to effect change.
Wiltshire continues to tackle hare coursing through Operation Ragwort, collaborating with partners to share intelligence and enforce measures against offenders tied to organised crime.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper supports the new sentencing, underlining its role in deterring criminal gangs and reinforcing rural community safety.
Chief Constable Roper noted the move towards embedding Rural Crime Officers within Neighbourhood Policing Teams, ensuring dedicated support and specialist expertise in addressing rural crime.
A Rural Crime Consultation Panel, convened in May, aims to bridge connections with rural communities, promoting crime reporting and partnerships.
Mr Wilkinson made it clear that Wiltshire will not tolerate such behaviour, noting that partnerships and strong legal frameworks bolster efforts to prevent offenders' activities in the county.