Dispersal order to tackle hare coursing across Lincolnshire
Any suspected hare coursers will be required to leave the county
Lincolnshire Police has issued a dispersal order across the county, to tackle an increase in hare coursing offences.
Any suspected hare coursers will be required to leave the county under the order. If they return, they face arrest.
The order is in place for 48 hours from 10.45am on 27th December 2021.
In a statement, Lincolnshire Police added: 'Anyone who sees hare coursing taking place is asked to contact us immediately on 999 and provide officers with a description of the people involved, any registration numbers and vehicle descriptions and the location and direction of travel.
'It's important people don’t confront people hare coursing or put themselves at risk.
'Anyone with reports that are not happening here and now are asked to contact us on 101.'
What is hare coursing?
Lincolnshire Police has published information and guidance about hare coursing:
Hare coursing is a bloodsport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.
It is illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004, which makes it an offence to hunt wild mammals with dogs. Anyone convicted of the offence can receive a fine of up to £5,000 by a Magistrates’ Court.
Legislation also gives police the powers to seize and detain vehicles until the court hearing. Powers to seize vehicles may also be granted under section 30 of the Game Act 1831.
Hare coursing tends to start after harvest when large areas of land have been cleared of standing crops. It usually occurs at dawn or dusk.
Lincolnshire’s flat, rural landscape makes it a popular area for hare coursing. It often attracts coursers from outside of the county.