TWO MEN have both been given five year criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) after they were convicted of animal cruelty offences.
Lancashire Police has said Warren Kelly, aged 36, of Sycamore Drive, Chester, and 58-year-old Andrew Dutton of Clover Place, Chester were convicted of four offences under the Game Act and two offences under the Hunting act, for Hare Coursing in Ormskirk, West Lancashire.
The pair were known to poach all over Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Humberside, Merseyside, North Wales, Cheshire, West Mercia, Shropshire and Bedfordshire.
Hare-coursing - in which dogs are unleashed to chase down hares and catch them in their jaws - has been banned in Britain on cruelty grounds since 2005.
The CBO bans them from being anywhere in England and Wales in possession or control of a dog other than in their home address and from being with any person anywhere in England and Wales with a dog. It also bans them out of huge portions of Lancashire and Merseyside, from acting in a manner that is likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress.
In addition, they were handed down almost £1000 in fines and costs and had their poaching equipment forfeited from them. The bans are in place until 29 June 2027.
READ MORE: Plans for tougher court sentencing guidance on animal cruelty cases
The order also stipulates that if they breach the order, anything in their possession at the time, any vehicle and any dogs will be forfeited.
Lancashire Police said: "The measures farmers have to put in place to deter these offenders cost considerable amounts of money which in turn is passed onto food consumers.
"These criminal behaviour orders will offer safety for the community and protection to vulnerable species. Due the feeling of isolation in rural areas and previous experience of threats, it takes great courage for farmers to step forward and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with them in the fight against wildlife crimes and animal cruelty.
"Anyone who sees the two men in the West Lancashire area can report their breach through 101 or https://orlo.uk/t10LS"
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