Rural landowners are calling for specific sentencing guidelines 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 hare coursing throughout autumn and winter, the Country Land and Business Association which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has set out an action plan on how to bring those involved to justice before the start of the next season.

The organisation is calling for tailored sentencing guidelines such as vehicle seizure and compensation paid to the landowner for any damage caused.

CLA President Tim Breitmeyer 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.

“The crime raises concerns about animal cruelty, damages crops, private property and has a detrimental impact within rural communities.

“Not all police forces and magistrates take it seriously enough."