NFU campaigning will help to crack down on hare coursing near Melton Mowbray

Long-term NFU campaigning has resulted in new sentencing guidance to crack down on hare coursing near Melton Mowbray and beyond.

Following extensive work on the issue and a public consultation, which the NFU submitted evidence to, the Sentencing Council has published new guidelines for courts to tackle hare coursing offences.

The new guidelines, which come into force next month, mark an important step forward in deterring hare coursing and ensuring courts in the area and further afield fully recognise the significant harm and intimidation this serious crime poses to farmers and growers.

Hare coursing, where dogs are released to chase hares, catching and potentially killing them, is illegal and continues to blight rural communities.

The criminal activity is often linked to gambling, trespassing, and organised crime.

The guidelines set out clear aggravating factors for judges to consider, including the use of social media to film offences and breaches of community protection notices.

They also draw attention to key powers introduced under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, enabling courts to disqualify offenders from owning dogs and to order them to pay the costs associated with the seizure and detention of dogs involved in hare coursing offences.

NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “Hare coursing doesn’t just damage farmland, it leaves a lasting emotional scar on farming families, many of whom are left feeling vulnerable, isolated and fearful of going about their daily work. These new guidelines send a clear message that this crime will be treated with the seriousness it deserves, and that courts must consider the full impact on victims and rural communities.

“Farms are not just places of work but are also our homes and for too long dangerous criminals have exploited this. We know of one farmer who has reported more than 200 incidents of hare coursing in the past eight months.

“The NFU has driven its campaign to ensure the voices of farmers and growers are heard, and we welcome the Sentencing Council’s recognition of the need for tougher, more consistent sentencing to help protect farmers and their livelihoods and restore the feeling of safety on farm and in rural communities.”

In January 2025, the Sentencing Council launched a consultation on the guidelines, with the NFU submitting detailed evidence to ensure the voices and experiences of farmers and growers were fully reflected.

The NFU also attended the Operation Galileo Conference at Leicestershire Police HQ, where two NFU members gave evidence on the devastating impact of hare coursing on victims.