Special operation to crackdown on hare coursing has officially launched in Lincolnshire
Operation Galileo is committing more resources to tackling the issue
Last updated 20th Sep 2023
Farmers across Lincolnshire are welcoming a new police crackdown on hare coursing which damages land and has even lead to physical attacks on landowners.
Operation Galileo launched this morning.
In the 6 months to April there were almost 600 reports countywide with over 30 arrests and 40 dogs seized.
Leadenham farmer Andrew Ward had a nasty experience with hare coursers before they were eventually caught:
"I went to approach two vehicles to ask them to leave, and they straight away set off and ran over me, I managed to half get out the way but they hit my leg.
“The farming community is hugely appreciative to the Rural Crime Action Team for the efforts it is making in relation to rural crime.
“We work in collaboration with one another which is very important in the fight against these criminals.”
Lincolnshire Police said:
"Last year, with new tactics and new legislation, we had a significant impact in reducing the number of incidents and crimes across our county. Our commitment is that the focus on tackling rural crime will be even more enhanced, in particular during this hare coursing season"
Superintendent Lee Pache, head of Specialists Operations which includes R-CAT, said:
“Hare coursing in the county will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“It is a huge issue for our rural community, with too many people living in fear of these crimes and criminals.
“That is why we are really pleased with the difference that our dedicated Rural Crime Action Team is making, and we will continue to target criminals in rural areas, which is one of our force priorities.
“The illegal activity of hare coursing damages property, threatens people's incomes and subjects people to fear and intimidation.
“Many of those are very unpleasant with violent and unscrupulous backgrounds, many of whom have links to organised criminality. Significant sums of money can change hands in the form of illegal betting and gambling on the outcome.
“We are committed to tackling this issue, and we would like to thank the public for their continued support in reporting incidents to us.”
New legislation, which came into force on 1 August 2022, makes it an offence to go equipped for, search for, or pursue hares with dogs, and an offence to trespass with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs.
Rhonda Thompson from the National farmers union in Lincolnshire and says it can have a real impact:
"It is trespass, how would you feel if you had a load of people turn up in your garden.
"Farmers take it very personally - also it's the violating of their private property."