LANDOWNERS are pressing for tougher sentencing to target criminal gangs betting on the killing of hares with dogs.

Hare coursing, where dogs compete against each other in pursuit of a hare, was outlawed by the 2004 Hunting Act but now takes place illegally without the permission of the landowner.

It has also been reported that the crime sometimes involves live streaming to another location where bets often worth thousands of pounds are placed on the outcome.

Following thousands of incidents of coursing throughout autumn and winter, the CLA, representing landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has set out an action plan, calling for tailored sentencing guidelines such as vehicle seizure and compensation to the landowner for damage caused.

CLA regional director Robin Edwards said: “Hare coursing is an abhorrent crime that many of our members have been victims of. Coursers often use threatening and intimidating behaviour, criminal violence and injury, which is wholly unacceptable.

“It raises concerns about animal cruelty, damages crops, private property and has a detrimental impact within rural communities. We need magistrates to understand the impact on rural businesses of hare coursing.

“Fines can be as low as £30 while the gambling side of the crime generates thousands so there is no deterrent and perpetrators are getting away with it scot-free.”

A CLA South East member said: “We have been visited on numerous occasions, causing damage to crops and as a result, reluctantly, we have had to spend a significant amount of money on security gates and fencing.”

Top Tips - what to do if you see hare coursing taking place:

1. Do not approach hare coursers;

2. Report any suspicious activity in the countryside to the police on 101;

3. Call 999 if you suspect a crime is actually taking place.