Two convicted poachers have been given criminal behaviour orders as part of a crackdown on hare coursing.

The men - aged 32 and 43 and both from Canterbury - are now prevented from trespassing on land with dogs, which could be used to pursue the animals.

The order, handed down on Monday, is the first issued with the aim of tackling a rural crime such as poaching.

If caught trespassing, the men could now face prison sentences without police having to prove they are hare coursing.

Sgt Darren Walshaw, who heads the Rural Task Force, said: "Hare coursing evidentially is a complex crime to prove and it is difficult to secure convictions.

"By using criminal behaviour orders in this way we can tackle the issue more effectively.

"Hare coursing is organised criminality; it is not a case of someone taking a rabbit for the pot.

"Those involved in the offence damage property, kill livestock and are often reported to behave violently when challenged by land owners.

"Those living in the rural community have a right to do so without fear and we will continue to use all the powers available to us and work with local people to target those involved in poaching and hare coursing."