Hare coursing gangs face a fresh crackdown of unlimited fines and up to six months in jail amid fears crime lords use the pastime for 'networking'
The Government is set to crack down on organised hare coursing gangs with unlimited fines and jail sentences for offenders caught in fields. The new proposals will give the police and courts more powers to hit the criminal groups blighting the British countryside. Police have warned that organised gangs, often with links to drug smuggling networks, are roving across the country to take part in hare coursing. Last year there were reportedly 10,000 cases of the crime though the figure is thought to be an underestimate of the problem. Now, the Government is proposing to introduce a maximum sentence of unlimited fines for offenders and up to six months in jail in amendments to the Game Act 1831. The Government is planning a fresh crackdown on hare coursing amid fears that crime lords use the barbaric pastime for 'networking'. Offenders would face unlimited fines and up to six months in jail under new proposals. (File image) The plans also include the introduction of a new offence o