New guideline published followed extensive NFU lobbying
The new guideline, which comes into force on 1 June 2026, marks an important step forward in deterring hare coursing and ensuring the courts fully recognise the significant harm and intimidation this serious crime poses to farmers and growers across the country.
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said the new guideline sends “a clear message that this crime will be treated with the seriousness it deserves, and that the courts must consider the full impact on victims and rural communities”.
NFU responds to consultation
The NFU submits its response to the Sentencing Council's consultation on a sentencing guideline for hare coursing offences.
NFU meets with Sentencing Council
NFU Chief Land Management Adviser Sam Durham meets with the Sentencing Council to discuss sentencing guidelines for hare coursing and wildlife offences.
Bill becomes law
The Bill receives Royal Assent.
Government outlines PSCS Bill
The government sets out plans to strengthen powers and penalties available to tackle hare coursing through the PCSC Bill.
Coalition sends letter to the House of Lords
The coalition writes a letter to Peers.
NFU supports Crimestoppers' rural crime campaign
The NFU supports Crimestoppers' rural crime campaign with a focus on hare coursing.
NFU presents to Defra
NFU Chief Land Management Adviser Sam Durham presents to the Defra hare coursing roundtable hosted by minister Rebecca Pow.
Robert Goodwill MP tables amendments at the committee stage of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in the House of Commons.
NFU meets with Defra on draft legislation
During the Queen’s Speech, the government announces legislation changes on hare coursing as part of its Action Plan for Animal Welfare. Following this announcement, the NFU's Chief Land Management Adviser Sam Durham begins fortnightly meetings with the Defra team drafting the legislation.
NFU briefs MP
The NFU provides a briefing to Gordon Henderson MP ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on hare coursing.
NFU makes case for tougher action at government roundtable
The NFU presents at a government roundtable discussion on hare coursing.
Coalition writes to Defra and Home Office
The coalition writes to Defra and the Home Office suggesting the government adopt its action plan on hare coursing. Their reply says there are no plans to amend the Game Act.
NFU establishes coalition
The NFU establishes a hare coursing coalition alongside the Countryside Alliance and the CLA.
NFU hosts Cambridgeshire hare coursing roundtable
A hare coursing roundtable is hosted by NFU Sugar Board chair Michael Sly in Cambridgeshire.
NPPC launches Rural Affairs Strategy
The NPCC Rural Affairs Strategy is launched to increase the level of awareness of poaching and hare coursing as serious wildlife crimes and build better trust and relationships between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
CPS publishes hare coursing guidance
Hare coursing legal guidance is produced by the CPS as a direct result of the NFU’s hare coursing summit.
NFU represents farming in rural crime APPG
The NFU is the sole farming organisation at the Rural Crime All Party Parliamentary Group, briefing the current Home Office and Ministry of Justice ministers.
Police present to NFU Council
NPCC rural crime lead, Craig Naylor, and Chair of the National Rural Crime Network, Julia Mulligan, present to NFU Council.
NFU presents at Police Chief's Council
NFU President Minette Batters presents at the Chief Constable's Council on rural crime and hare coursing.
NFU calls for review of sentencing guidelines
NFU Deputy President Minette Batters writes to Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington asking for a review of the sentencing guidelines.
NFU holds first hare coursing summit
The NFU holds its first hare coursing summit to overcome inconsistencies in hare coursing sentencing across police force and CPS areas. The NFU hare coursing video is also launched.
Calls for review of sentencing guidelines
The Combatting Rural Crime report includes a call for the Sentencing Council to review the range of rural crimes experienced by farming communities to ensure sentencing guidelines reflect the true cost and impact of these crimes.
NFU's rural crime report published
The NFU’s Combatting Rural Crime Report is launched in the House of Commons.
NFU meets with Police
Then-NFU Deputy President Minette Batters meets Chief Constable Dave Jones, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on rural crime, the first high-level meeting between an NFU officeholder and a national police lead.