First Ever Poaching Dog Ban Dropped by Magistrates
On 21 February, Colchester magistrates hit poachers David Hilden and Tyron Young with historic dog disqualification orders under the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. It’s believed to be a UK first – stopping them from owning or walking dogs for three years after admitting daytime trespass during a hunt.
Poaching Pair Caught Red-Handed in Crop Fields
Rural officers stopped Hilden and Young on 15 October 2022 near Peacock Hill, Littlebury, Saffron Walden. The pair were roaming private crop fields with four dogs, including two lurchers on slip leads, with no permission or public access.
Hilden confessed he was there to pursue rabbits, while Young insisted he was simply walking his dog. Their vehicle was seized at the scene and both men were later summonsed to court.
Crackdown Backed by Crown Prosecutor
“Gamekeepers are integral to tackling poaching,” said District Crown Prosecutor Sally Robinson. “I’m delighted magistrates used this new law to ban these two from having any dog access – even walking someone else’s – for three years. We look forward to applying these disqualification orders in future hare coursing and poaching cases.”
Fines and Costs Hit the Poachers
- David Hilden was fined £120, plus £105 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
- Tyron Young was fined £200, plus £105 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
The new legislation marks a tough stance on poaching, with authorities keen to use every tool to protect rural lands and wildlife.
