Hare Coursing
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance provides prosecutors with comprehensive information on handling hare coursing cases, detailing applicable legislation, evidence collection techniques, and public interest considerations. It covers offences under several acts such as the Game Act 1831, Night Poaching Act 1828, and the Hunting Act 2004, alongside recent updates from the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. The document aims to assist prosecutors in effectively addressing hare coursing as a criminal activity that impacts animal welfare and rural communities.
Key points
- Prosecutors should engage wildlife coordinators when dealing with hare coursing cases.
- Trespass with intent to pursue hares is a specific offence under recent legislation.
- Evidence collection must adhere to strict admissibility standards to support charges.
- Public interest factors include community impact and animal welfare concerns.
- Aggravating and mitigating factors must be considered in prosecution cases.
Public-interest factors
- Biodiversity status of the species involved
- Potential danger to the public
- Impact on the community
- Extent of suffering caused to hares
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.