London Duo Banned from Owning Dogs After Illegal Poaching Trip
In what is believed to be a UK first, Colchester magistrates slapped David Hilden and Tyron Young with dog disqualification orders under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. The pair admitted to daytime trespassing while chasing game, sparking tough new legal action.
Caught Red-Handed in Saffron Walden
Hilden, 39, from Croydon, and Young, 35, from Morden, travelled all the way from South London to Saffron Walden armed with dogs—two lurchers on slip leads among them—ready to poach rabbits. The men were caught by rural officers on Peacock Hill crossing private farmland without permission on 15 October 2022. No public footpaths were nearby.
Investigating officer PC Nigel Wright explained:
“Poaching wild animals is cruel and damages farmland, costing landowners dearly. Dogs are vital to poaching schemes, so it’s brilliant the magistrates used the new law to ban these poachers from any dog access—even walking someone else’s—for three years.”
Prosecutors Warn Poachers: The Clampdown Is On
Sally Robinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS East of England and Hare Coursing Lead, said:
“This crime wrecks rural communities. That’s why, in a legal first, we pushed for disqualification orders here. Let this be a clear warning that we will keep asking for these bans to crush poaching. We’re working closely with police and partners and will use every power we have.”
Fines and Vehicle Seizure Follow Conviction
At the scene, Hilden confessed he entered the land to pursue rabbits, while Young claimed he was just out walking his dog. Police seized their vehicle and later charged both men. Hilden was fined £120, with £105 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge. Young was hit with a £200 fine plus £105 costs and an £80 surcharge.
This landmark ruling sets a new precedent – poachers beware, your dogs could be taken away for good.
