RURAL communities in Worcestershire are being urged to stay alert and report any signs of illegal blood sport hare coursing as we approach the hare coursing season.
Hare coursing involves using dogs to chase, catch, and kill hares and is more likely in rural counties like Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
The activity causes distress to wildlife and damage to farmland, as well as concern within rural communities.
WARNING: Hare coursing in Worcestershire has been described as an ‘illegal blood sport’ (Image: Ian Sherriffs (via Getty Images))
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “We are reminding our rural communities to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“Hare coursing is an illegal blood sport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares, often causing significant distress to wildlife, damage to farmland, and concern within rural communities.”
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Signs of hare coursing include groups of people with sight hounds such as lurchers or greyhounds, 4×4 vehicles parked near fields, and individuals trespassing on farmland, often using radios, binoculars or drones to monitor fields.
Anyone witnessing hare coursing in progress should call 999 immediately.
Reports after the fact can be made by calling 101.
Residents are advised not to approach suspects due to safety risks.
