North Beds MP steps up campaign against barbaric hare coursers
Date of alert:
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Crime Ref:
Force:
Bedfordshire Constabulary
A Biggleswade MP who has campaigned for stricter penalties for people caught hare coursing said he was delighted after new laws helped Bedfordshire Police secure the highest fine in their history for the crime.
North East Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller praised Bedfordshire Police Wildlife and Rural Crime Team for the successful prosecution of a local hare courser and the imposition of a significant fine of towards £2,000.
Mr Fuller said: ”Prior to my Private Member's Bill on hare coursing, and the subsequent inclusion of its measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, a successful prosecution would invariably have delivered a fine of £200-£300, so it's heartening to see real deterrents in place for this barbaric crime.
“More can be done on coursing and wider rural crime, and I am soon meeting with members of the Community and Rural teams at Riseley station to discuss what further steps could be taken."
