Police warn of hare coursing reports in north Hampshire

Hare coursing has started already with police receiving reports this week, particularly in the North of Hampshire.

Suspicious vehicles, suspected to be involved in coursing, have been spotted on farmland in areas including Kingsclere, Hannington, and Herriard.

During one incident in Kingsclere on 5 July, a farmer was threatened with a catapult, and an incident in Herriard reported on 9 July saw an offending vehicle narrowly avoid colliding with a victim’s dog. This vehicle was later located and seized by police in Liphook, and a Lurcher dog was seized by police in Herriard.

Damage

A Police spokesperson said:

"Coursing not only involves the poaching of hares, but often sees significant damage caused to the farmland by individuals and vehicles trespassing, in addition to intimidation and threats of violence towards landowners.

"We anticipate seeing further incidents elsewhere in the county, and urge people to be aware and to report coursing and associated damage to us.

"If the crime is in progress, call 999 quoting Operation Galileo.

"We would like to remind people to never approach the individuals involved in this type of crime – your safety is priority."

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