HAMPSHIRE residents are being asked to be vigilant in spotting and reporting illegal hare poachers, as farmers brace themselves for peak of criminal activity.
CLA South East is urging farmers, landowners and members of the public to be on alert as the county enters the peak hare coursing season.
Hare coursing is when dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares, with gambling on the outcome common practice.
Incidents normally spike at this time of year, following harvest when areas of arable land are cleared of crops, making it easier to travel across fields.
The CLA is now urging the police to do everything possible to stop the tactics, threats and intimidation used by hare coursers and arrest those caught in the act.
They are also encouraging members of the public who see hare coursing taking place to report any suspicious activity in the countryside to the police on 101 or call 999 if you suspect a crime is actually taking place.
Members of the public are also advised to not approach hare coursers.
Acting regional director of CLA South East Tim Bamford said: “We traditionally see a spike in hare coursing incidents at this time of year, following harvest.
“We appreciate that police have a range of significant pressures in terms of resources and budgeting, but we want to ensure that tackling hare coursing remains a priority.
“This is not a minor crime. Those involved in hare coursing are hardened criminals – often using threats, intimidation and in some cases violence against anyone who questions or challenges their actions.
“These criminals don’t think twice about trespassing on land, damaging crops and property and give no consideration to the animal welfare of the hares involved.”
The CLA advise that criminals such as hare coursers and poachers should not be tackled directly by members of the public and calls to the police to report incidents of coursing should be made from a safe location.
When phoning the police, callers should be prepared to give an accurate description of what is happening.
This could include descriptions of the people, their vehicles and dogs.
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