NEW legislation has been used to order a man to pay “significant costs” after he was found guilty of hare coursing in Dorchester.
A 52-year-old man was found guilty of trespassing with intent to search or pursue hares with dogs.
This comes after an incident in Dorchester on October 19, 2023 where a lurcher-type dog was set on a hare.
The hare was subsequently killed before being discarded in a nearby hedge.
Officers attended and the man was arrested and subsequently charged following a detailed investigation.
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New legislation – Section 63 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act of 2022 – was used to convict the man who was ordered to pay more than £900 in costs.
PC Sebastian Haggett, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said this is the first conviction of its kind in Dorset using the new legislation.
“I hope this sentence acts as a significant deterrent to those who are thinking of poaching in Dorset,” he said.
“It will not be tolerated, and I would urge members of the public to report such incidents to us so we can investigate further and take proportionate action.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “I speak with many farmers and residents in rural areas and I know how much damage hare coursing causes, not only to our wildlife, but economically and environmentally, so my thanks go to the Rural Crime Team for securing this conviction, the first of its kind in Dorset.
“It sends a crystal clear message to the people who commit these vile crimes – don’t do this in Dorset – because you will get caught and go to court and you will get a criminal record and a very public acknowledgement of your disgusting practices.”
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