People convicted of illegal hare coursing could face up to six months in prison and unlimited fines under a Government crackdown on the crime.

Ministers say the plans to introduce tougher sentences and greater powers to combat coursing, which sees dogs used to chase, catch and kill hares, will tackle animal cruelty and other criminal activities associated with it.

Hare coursing targets brown hares, a declining species threatened by poaching and habitat loss, and is associated with theft, criminal damage, violence and intimidation of landowners who challenge the criminals.

The proposed legislation includes increasing the possible penalties for trespassing in pursuit of game to an unlimited fine and – for the first time – a prison sentence of up to six months.

Two new criminal offences for hare coursing will also be introduced, which will be punishable by unlimited fines and prison sentences of up to six months.

And there will be new powers for the courts to ensure police are reimbursed for the costs of kennelling dogs used in coursing and to disqualify convicted offenders from owning or keeping a dog.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “There are persistent groups who illegally perpetuate hare coursing, creating challenges for the police.

“These new measures will give the police the additional powers to bring prosecutions and confiscate dogs from owners involved in hare coursing.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Illegal hare coursing has blighted rural communities for too long, resulting in criminal damage, threating violence and intimidation against farmers and landowners.

“Those responsible are often involved in other criminal activities – including drugs and firearms offences.

“I have been a longstanding supporter for essential reforms to our laws to stop hare coursing which is why we will act to prevent more people from suffering as a result of the actions of a law-breaking minority.”

The measures, included as amendments in the Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, will apply to England and officials say they are in discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government over their application there.