Please Be Vigilant for Hare Coursing and Poaching

By RURAL-WATCH | 15th September 2019

Hare coursing tends to start after harvest when large areas of land have been cleared of standing crops. It usually occurs at dawn or dusk.

Hare coursing is a bloodsport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

It is illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004, which makes it an offence to hunt wild mammals with dogs. Anyone convicted of the offence can receive a fine of up to £5,000 by a Magistrates’ Court.

Legislation also gives police the powers to seize and detain vehicles until the court hearing. Powers to seize vehicles may also be granted under section 30 of the Game Act 1831.

What to look out for

You can help us fight hare coursing by looking out for activity in your area.

The most obvious sign is groups of vehicles parked in a rural area, perhaps by a gateway to farmland, on a grass verge, on a farm track or bridle path.
They will usually be estate cars, four wheel drives or vans and may have evidence of dogs.
They often travel in convoy, with vans at the front and rear containing minders.
They will often use binoculars to spot hares.
Coursers will often walk along the edge of a field to frighten a hare into the open.

Report it

If you see hare coursing taking place, or suspect it is happening in your area contact the police straight away. We advise that you do not approach the participants.

It may help us if you can answer any of the questions when reporting wildlife crime:

Are the suspect/s alone or in a group?
Are they trespassing?
Do they have equipment with them?
Do they have dogs or firearms with them?
Where are they going?
Where have they been?
What do they look like?
Have they any vehicles?
What are the number plates and vehicle models?
Can you safely get a photograph?

You can also report it online at www.warwickshire.police.uk.

Warwickshire Police have wildlife officers who work with response and local beat officers to address wildlife crime and catch offenders in our county.