Policy background Hare Coursing
Successful prosecutions for hare coursing have been hampered by the current low level of penalties available to the courts under the Game Acts (the Game Act 1831 and Night Poaching Act 1828) which are commonly relied on as the basis for such prosecutions. Following consultation with stakeholders and the police, the Act addresses the gaps identified in previous laws relating to hare coursing. Sections 62 to 70:
Increase the penalties available to the courts under section 1 of the Night Poaching Act 1828 and section 30 of the Game Act 1831 so that the maximum penalty for offences under these sections are a fine of any amount and/or 6 months imprisonment (increasing to 51 weeks upon the coming into force of section 281(5) Criminal Justice Act 2003)
Introduced new offences relating to trespassing with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs, including being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs
Provided the court with the power to order recovery of expenses incurred from the lawful seizure and detention of dogs upon conviction for the offences referred to in (a) and (b)
Provided the court with the power to make a disqualification order upon conviction for the offences referred to in (a) and (b), along with other associated orders and directions.
	The overarching purpose of these changes is to fulfil the Government’s public commitment, made as part of its May 2021 Action Plan for Animal Welfare, to crack down on illegal hare coursing and address the animal cruelty and serious harm to rural communities associated with it.