NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE have vowed to cut down poaching in the county even further today (August 2) with the help of tough new legislation.

New measures have been introduced which aim to tackle hare coursing – an illegal activity where dogs are used to chase, kill and catch hares.

The new legislation has increased the maximum penalty for trespassing in pursuit of game under the Game Acts (the Game Act 1831 and the Night Poaching Act 1828) to an unlimited fine and also the possibility of up to six months’ imprisonment.

Two new criminal offences have also been introduced: trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare; and being equipped to trespass with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare.

Both these offences are punishable on conviction by an unlimited fine and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.

Courts will also be able to make an order, on conviction, disqualifying an offender from owning or keeping a dog.

These new measures come as North Yorkshire Police revealed that poaching was reduced by 60% in the county last season, following a number of specialised operations in rural communities.

Rural Task Force Inspector Clive Turner said: “The restrictions around the pandemic limited people’s movements, so inevitably when these were lifted many police forces recorded a rise in rural crime figures.

“Rural crime is a very broad category and covers a lot of offences, but poaching is an area we’ve been particularly keen to target here in North Yorkshire.

“Last season we made substantial inroads into poaching, which causes real concern among rural communities, massive damage to crops and livestock and often includes the illegal use of weapons and dogs.

“At the beginning of the season we saw roughly the same amount of poaching reports as the previous year.

“However, after a lot of police proactivity and operations throughout the season we reduced offences by 60%, which is a result any police force would be proud of.

“We used methods to not only catch offenders but also prevent offences happening in the first place – things like community protection warnings and notices.

“This season we are working jointly with neighbouring forces to extend the use of these measures and cover a much larger area, so we expect this substantial reduction in crime to continue.

“We’ll also be using this new legislation around hare coursing to stop people indulging in this cruel act.

“All officers, PCSOs and control room staff will receive training on how to deal with hare coursing offences.

“We’re confident this will reduce rural crime even further and maintain the significant progress we’re making here in North Yorkshire.”