Blackpool men in court over illegal hare coursing after police seize dogs

By Matthew Calderbank
Published 23rd Mar 2023, 10:54 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2023, 11:03 BST
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Three men have made their first appearances at court facing charges of illegal hare coursing.

Hare coursing is a bloodsport in which greyhounds and other sighthounds chase, catch and kill hares. It was banned in the UK by the Hunting Act 2004 and those convicted can face six months in prison and unlimited fines.

On Wednesday (March 22), three men appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court charged with trespassing on land on November 11 last year with the intent to pursue hares with dogs.

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The trio were Shane Boswell, 49, of Whalley Lane, Blackpool; Tommy Boswell, 44, of Midgeland Road, Blackpool and Andrew Boswell, 38, of Denton Street, Carlisle.

Hare coursing is a bloodsport in which greyhounds and other sighthounds chase, catch and kill hares. It was banned in the UK by the Hunting Act 2004 and those convicted can face six months in prison and unlimited finesHare coursing is a bloodsport in which greyhounds and other sighthounds chase, catch and kill hares. It was banned in the UK by the Hunting Act 2004 and those convicted can face six months in prison and unlimited fines
Hare coursing is a bloodsport in which greyhounds and other sighthounds chase, catch and kill hares. It was banned in the UK by the Hunting Act 2004 and those convicted can face six months in prison and unlimited fines

They did not enter pleas and the cases were adjourned to allow defence lawyers to make further enquiries into the cost of kennelling the men’s dogs which were seized by police.

The dogs were seized on the arrest of the trio and has so far cost £8,000 in kenneling fees.

The defence lawyers also asked for time to exam new legislation relating to hare coursing which was brought in late last year.

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The trio before Blackpool Magistrates Court were Shane Boswell, 49, of Whalley Lane, Blackpool; Tommy Boswell, 44, of Midgeland Road, Blackpool and Andrew Boswell, 38, of Denton Street, CarlisleThe trio before Blackpool Magistrates Court were Shane Boswell, 49, of Whalley Lane, Blackpool; Tommy Boswell, 44, of Midgeland Road, Blackpool and Andrew Boswell, 38, of Denton Street, Carlisle
The trio before Blackpool Magistrates Court were Shane Boswell, 49, of Whalley Lane, Blackpool; Tommy Boswell, 44, of Midgeland Road, Blackpool and Andrew Boswell, 38, of Denton Street, Carlisle

Section 66 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 – which came into force on August 1 last year means those convicted of illegal hare coursing can face up to six months in prison and unlimited fines.

As part of a Government crackdown on the crime, the legislation also increased the possible penalties for trespassing in pursuit of game to an unlimited fine and – for the first time – a prison sentence of up to six months.

It also gave new powers for the courts to ensure police are reimbursed for the costs of kennelling dogs used in coursing and to disqualify convicted offenders from owning or keeping a dog.

When the legislation was introduced, then Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “There are persistent groups who illegally perpetuate hare coursing, creating challenges for the police.

“These new measures will give the police the additional powers to bring prosecutions and confiscate dogs from owners involved in hare coursing.”