Key Takeaways:
- Hare coursing is a violent crime that involves setting dogs on hares, with bets placed on the outcome, and is terrorizing the countryside in Wiltshire, UK.
- The crime is on the rise, with a 20% increase in hare coursing and poaching offences in Wiltshire over the past year, and 30 people arrested since January 2025.
- Farmers and landowners are being intimidated and threatened by the coursers, with some suffering injuries and property damage.
- The crime is linked to international criminal networks, with coursers livestreaming their activities to China and smuggling stolen farm equipment to eastern Europe.
- The impact of hare coursing is not just economic, but also cruel to the hares and dogs involved, with many dogs being abandoned and found injured or underweight.
Introduction to Hare Coursing
Hare coursing is a brutal and illegal activity that involves setting dogs, usually greyhounds or lurchers, on hares, with bets placed on the outcome. The crime is on the rise in Wiltshire, UK, with the countryside being terrorized by criminal gangs. The area’s open fields and lack of cover for hares make it an ideal location for the coursers. Despite the efforts of Wiltshire police, who are leading the fight against the coursers, the crime continues to thrive, with many more offenders going undetected.
The Impact on Farmers and Landowners
Farmers and landowners in Wiltshire are being intimidated and threatened by the coursers, with some suffering injuries and property damage. The crime is not only causing economic harm but also emotional distress, with many farmers feeling vulnerable and scared. The police are urging farmers not to take matters into their own hands and to report any incidents to the authorities. However, the fear of retaliation and the feeling of being powerless is taking a toll on the farming community.
The Link to International Crime
The hare coursing gangs are linked to international criminal networks, with coursers livestreaming their activities to China and smuggling stolen farm equipment to eastern Europe. The police are working to disrupt these networks and bring the perpetrators to justice. The complexity of the crime and its international connections make it a challenging task for the authorities, but they are determined to crack down on the coursers and protect the countryside.
The Cruelty of Hare Coursing
Hare coursing is a cruel and inhumane activity that causes immense suffering to the hares and dogs involved. The dogs are often trained to chase and kill the hares, and the hares are subjected to a terrifying and often fatal ordeal. The RSPCA and other animal welfare organizations are working with the police to raise awareness about the cruelty of hare coursing and to bring an end to the practice. The abandonment of dogs associated with hare coursing is also a concern, with many dogs being found injured or underweight.
The Efforts to Combat Hare Coursing
The police and other authorities are working together to combat hare coursing, with Wiltshire police being at the forefront of the effort. The force is using a range of tactics, including armed response teams, drone operators, and road traffic teams, to catch the coursers. The police are also working with farmers and landowners to prevent the crime and to provide support to those affected. The RSPCA and other organizations are also playing a crucial role in raising awareness and providing assistance to the authorities.
The Daily Hunt for the Coursers
The hunt for the coursers is a daily challenge for the police, with the crime being committed in different locations across Wiltshire. The police are working tirelessly to catch the perpetrators and to disrupt their networks. The use of technology, such as drones and CCTV, is helping the police to track down the coursers and to gather evidence. The community is also playing a vital role in reporting incidents and providing information to the authorities. The fight against hare coursing is ongoing, and it will require a sustained effort from the police, the community, and other organizations to bring an end to this cruel and destructive crime.