NGO call for the creation of a National Task Force on hare coursing and poaching gangs

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In recent years and even months, we have seen a huge increase in the problem of organised hare coursing, poaching, and associated rural crime in the countryside. While these issues have long affected rural communities, we are now facing an unprecedented level of criminality, violence, and intimidation.

With this in mind, the NGO have written to Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, to highlight the growing problem. These gangs do not merely trespass: they destroy property, threaten livelihoods, and pose a serious risk to public safety.

Our members often bear the brunt of this escalating problem. We have seen numerous incidents where individuals protecting their land and wildlife have been violently attacked or severely intimidated. Unfortunately, police responses have often been slow or inadequate, leaving rural workers vulnerable and communities increasingly fearful.

Two recent cases illustrate the scale of the problem:

Gamekeeper Run Over by Poachers in Wiltshire (December 2024)

In a shocking case reported by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, gamekeeper Paul Ashton was deliberately run over by poachers in Wiltshire while trying to protect wildlife from armed trespassers. He suffered multiple broken bone including a fractured pelvis, and was left unable to work. The attack was part of a wider pattern of organised rural crime, where poachers armed with weapons enter private land and use violence to intimidate those who challenge them.

Hare Coursing and Organised Crime in Hertfordshire (January 2025)

A BBC report detailed how criminal gangs involved in hare coursing are terrorising rural communities in Hertfordshire. Locals have reported gangs racing high-powered 4x4 vehicles through villages, causing property damage and engaging in violent behaviour. This is not simply a case of illegal gambling; these gangs are often involved in theft, drug-related crime, and extreme intimidation. One farmer was threatened with a metal bar when he confronted a group on his land.

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation recently conducted a survey among its members, revealing deeply concerning findings:

90% of respondents did not feel supported by rural policing.

95% believed that calling 999 would not result in an effective police response.

The lack of police presence and enforcement emboldens criminal gangs, leaving gamekeepers, farmers, and local residents in constant fear. Many now avoid reporting crimes because they do not believe it will lead to any meaningful action.

Call for a National Task Force and Stronger Enforcement

The NGO is calling for urgent intervention to address this escalating crisis. Specifically, we have urged the government to:

1. Establish a dedicated national task force to gather intelligence on hare coursing and poaching gangs, ensuring a coordinated approach across police forces.

2. Strengthen enforcement and prosecution efforts, making it clear that these crimes will not be tolerated.

3. Improve police response times and resource allocation to ensure rural communities receive the protection they deserve.

4. Increase sentencing for repeat offenders to act as a meaningful deterrent.

Rural workers are being terrorised by criminal gangs who act with impunity. Gamekeepers and farmers play a crucial role in protecting the countryside, but they cannot do so without the support of law enforcement. We need immediate action to ensure that those who engage in hare coursing, poaching, and associated crimes are swiftly brought to justice.

We have requested a meeting with Dame Johnson or Home Office officials to discuss how we can work together to tackle this growing problem.

Note to Editors:

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation: The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, the organisation has around 13,000 members.
www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk