Operation Snare: Illegal Hare Coursing

Operation Snare: Illegal Hare Coursing

Rural Crime Update: Illegal Hare Coursing

As harvest season leaves fields more exposed, there is an increased risk of illegal hare coursing across rural areas. West Mercia Police is asking farmers, landowners, residents and local communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Hare coursing is the illegal pursuit of hares using dogs and is often associated with wider criminal activity, including trespass, criminal damage, anti-social behaviour, and intimidation of landowners.

What to look out for

• Suspicious vehicles entering or driving across farmland
• Groups of people with sighthounds such as lurchers or greyhounds
• Trespassers on private land
• Damage to crops, gates, fences, tracks or other property
• Off-road vehicles being used on farmland

Know the law

It is illegal to:

• Organise, attend or assist a hare coursing event
• Allow land to be used for hare coursing
• Trespass on land with the intention of searching for or pursuing hares
• Assist or facilitate illegal hunting activities

Reporting suspicious activity

If you see suspected hare coursing or related rural crime, report it immediately via:

• 101 (non-emergency)
• 999 in an emergency
• Online at: www.westmercia.police.uk/report

When reporting, try to provide:

• Vehicle registration numbers
• Vehicle make, model and colour
• Number of occupants
• Details of any dogs involved
• Exact location and direction of travel
• Photos or video footage, if safe to obtain

Please do not approach or challenge suspected offenders. Keep yourself safe and allow the police to investigate.

For further information about illegal hunting and hare coursing, visit:

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/illegal-hunting/illegal-hunting/

Please share this information with local residents, farmers and landowners to help protect our countryside and rural communities.