Hare coursing in Buckinghamshire: Warning by MP
Date of alert:
Monday, 25 April 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Thames Valley Police
Heavily-armed criminals are livestreaming illegal hare coursing for betting syndicates in China in the area, a Bucks MP has warned.
Conservative MP Rob Butler raised concerns over people encroaching on to land owned by farmers in his constituency of Aylesbury to catch and kill hares with dogs.
Hare coursing targets brown hares, a declining species threatened by poaching and habitat loss, and is associated with theft, criminal damage, violence and intimidation of landowners who challenge the criminals.
There have been warnings from Thames Valley Police to be vigilant amid incidents of hare coursing in the area.
Proposed legislation on the verge of becoming law includes increasing the possible penalties for trespassing in pursuit of game to an unlimited fine and – for the first time – a prison sentence of up to six months.
Two new criminal offences for hare coursing will also be introduced, which will be punishable by unlimited fines and prison sentences of up to six months.
The measures will apply to England.
