I am delighted to hear that there have been a number of recent arrests of individuals across England connected with hare coursing. This comes in the context of local police authorities being pro-active on the matter, issuing information requests and going after offenders to tackle coursing as part of a county-wide crack down on rural and wildlife crime.
This cruel sport accounts for a staggering proportion of wildlife crime incidents. The National Wildlife Crime Unit have stated from September 2010 to May 2011 there were 733 cases of hare coursing. To put that into context that makes up for 27% of all wildlife crime! Hare coursing continues to afflict the east of the UK and be most prevalent in Lincolnshire were 62% of all reported wildlife crime is hare coursing.
Police have asked people to be vigilant for any signs of dead animals or unexplained blood in fields. Unusual tyre marks in farming areas or suspicious vehicles or activity, either in the day light or night. Importantly anyone who witnesses hare coursing should not approach individuals they suspect of being involved in it, but should contact the police instead.
If you are aware of any suspicious activity please report this to the police and the League. Any intelligence no matter how small is important, and remember to be extra vigilant if you live in a hot spot area and don’t put yourself in danger.