The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) has welcomed the publication of new sentencing guidelines for hare coursing offences by the Sentencing Council, calling it a positive step forward in tackling rural crime and protecting countryside communities.
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) has welcomed the publication of new sentencing guidelines for hare coursing offences by the Sentencing Council, calling it a positive step forward in tackling rural crime and protecting countryside communities.
The new guidelines, which will come into force on 1 June 2026, give courts clearer guidance when sentencing offenders involved in hare coursing and poaching related offences. Previously there was no specific sentencing guidance covering these offences.
The guideline covers offences including night poaching, trespassing in search of game, and illegal hare coursing offences introduced under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
The NGO welcomed the fact that the guidance followed a public consultation process during 2025, allowing rural organisations and countryside groups to contribute their views and experiences.
Livia Brynin, Firearms Advisor to the NGO and serving Magistrate, said:
“We welcome these new sentencing guidelines and the recognition of the real impact hare coursing has on rural communities.
For years many people in the countryside have felt the law was not keeping up with the organised criminality, intimidation and damage linked to hare coursing.
It is positive to see stronger guidance now being given to the courts and recognition that rural crime must be taken seriously.
The NGO was pleased to contribute to the consultation process and we welcome the Sentencing Council listening to feedback from rural organisations and stakeholders.
From both a countryside and justice perspective, clearer sentencing guidance helps ensure these offences are treated consistently and appropriately by the courts.
We hope this will help support police, prosecutors and the courts in taking firmer action against offenders and give reassurance to those affected by these crimes.”
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Notes to Editors:
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation: The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, there are 13,000 members of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation. www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
