Overview

This bill aims to strengthen the law against hare coursing in England and Wales by increasing penalties, expanding police powers, and creating a new offence of being equipped for hare coursing.

Description

The Hare Coursing Bill amends existing legislation, primarily the Game Laws (Amendment) Act 1960, to increase the penalties for hare coursing offences. It introduces a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment or a fine, or both, for trespass in search of hares and modifies existing laws to remove the requirement for five or more people to be involved in offences relating to hares. The bill also introduces a new offence: possessing items for hare coursing outside one's home. Police powers are broadened to allow for the seizure of animals and vehicles and the recovery of associated costs from those convicted. The definition of "hare coursing" is clarified as the pursuit of hares with sight hounds.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to increase government spending due to the costs of detaining seized dogs and vehicles, and associated investigations, although no specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Hare Coursers: Face increased penalties and a new offense for being equipped for hare coursing.
• Landowners: Increased protection against trespass for hare coursing.
• Police: Granted increased powers of search, seizure, and detention.
• Dogs used in hare coursing: May be seized and detained.
• Courts: Increased caseload and potential for higher fines/sentences.

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