Fay jones MP welcomed news that The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have announced further crackdowns on Hare coursing.
Hare coursing is already illegal in the UK. The Government’s proposals include:
- Increasing the maximum penalty for trespassing in pursuit of game under the Game Acts (the Game Act 1831 and the Night Poaching Act 1828) to an unlimited fine and introducing – for the first time – the possibility of up to six months’ imprisonment.
- Two new criminal offences: firstly, trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare; and secondly, being equipped to trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare both punishable on conviction by an unlimited fine and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.
These proposals have been laid as amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which is due to have its House of Lords Report Stage in this month.
Fay Jones said
"It's brilliant that the Government's 'Action plan on Animal Welfare' is being actioned by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) More powers for the police to tackle this and tougher sentences for those convicted have been welcomed by the National Farmers Union and the RSPCA. These crimes are the scourge of rural areas like Brecon and Radnorshire and I'm proud the Government is tackling them"