Hare Coursing

Dear resident

There has been a recent report of Hare Coursing in the local area.

Reporting Hare Coursing 

If you witness a hare coursing incident, you should report it to the police. 

Provide as much detail as possible, including vehicle information, descriptions of people and dogs, and any actions observed. 

Use What3Words to provide precise location data if you have the app. 

If it's a live incident, dial 999, says Crimestoppers. 

If you are unsure, it's best to report it anyway. 

What is Hare Coursing?

Hare coursing is the hunting of hares with dogs, often involving a competition where dogs are judged on their hunting skills. 

It's illegal to hunt hares with dogs unless the landowner or someone with permission is hunting. 

It often involves significant criminal activity, including violence, intimidation, and damage to property.

Hunting Act 2004: It illegal to hunt wild mammals with dogs, including hares. 

Offences:

Participating in a hare coursing event. 

Attending a hare coursing event. 

Knowingly facilitating a hare coursing event. 

Allowing land to be used for a hare coursing event. 

Trespassing with the intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs. 

Being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs. 

Penalties:

The 2022 Act increased the maximum penalties for offences to an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison. 

Courts have a wider range of sentencing powers, including ancillary orders. 

In 2023, most offenders received a fine, with the median fine being £500.