Poachers Banned from Dogs in UK’s First Ever Disqualification Orders
Two crooks from London have made history – but not in a good way. On 21 February, David Hilden and Tyron Young became the first in the country to receive dog-related disqualification orders under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Both men admitted to trespassing by poaching game during daylight.
London Poachers Nabbed in Saffron Walden
The pair travelled all the way from South London to the Saffron Walden area, armed with dogs intended for illegal game hunting. They were caught red-handed crossing private crop fields with four dogs, including two lurchers on slip leads. No public footpaths, no permission. Just plain law-breaking.
PC Nigel Wright of the Rural Engagement Team said:
“Poaching of wild animals is cruel and causes costly damage to farmland. Dogs are key to these crimes. I’m pleased magistrates used this new law to ban these poachers from all dog access for three years – even walking someone else’s.”
Legal First for CPS – Tough Message to Poachers
CPS East of England’s District Crown Prosecutor Sally Robinson, who leads on hare coursing cases, hailed the court’s decision as a landmark:
“This offending hits rural communities hard. I’m thrilled we got the court to apply disqualification orders in a first-of-its-kind ruling. It sends a clear warning: poaching won’t be tolerated, and we’ll use every tool to stop it.”
Fines and Consequences for Poaching Trio
On 15 October 2022, rural officers caught Hilden, 39, from Croydon, and Young, 35, from Morden, trespassing on Peacock Hill near Littlebury. Hilden admitted chasing rabbits; Young claimed he was just walking his dog. Both faced hefty fines. Hilden was slapped with £120 plus costs and surcharges. Young was fined £200 along with similar court costs.
Their vehicle was seized on the spot and both were summoned to court for their illegal antics.
This crackdown marks a major step in protecting farmland and wildlife, showing police and prosecutors are cracking down hard on poachers nationwide.
