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Wildlife crime
Hare coursing
Hare coursing is the illegal pursuit of hares with dogs, often sighthounds such as lurchers, frequently linked to gambling, trespass and intimidation of landowners.
About hare coursing
Coursers release dogs to chase and kill hares, usually across open arable fields. It is often organised, with money wagered on which dog makes the kill.
It commonly involves trespass, criminal damage to crops and gates, and threats towards farmers and the public.
Signs to look for
- Vehicles (often 4x4s) parked on the edge of fields, byways or gateways with dogs inside
- People with sighthounds/lurchers running dogs across open fields
- Damage to crops, fences and gates from off-road driving
- Groups gathering to watch dogs chase hares, sometimes filming on phones
The law
Hare coursing is banned under the Hunting Act 2004. Additional offences were introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, including trespassing with the intent of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare.
Courts can order the seizure of dogs and vehicles used for coursing and recovery of kennelling costs from offenders.
How to report hare coursing
If you've witnessed hare coursing, please report it to us. Give as much detail as you can safely gather — what you saw, exactly where and when, descriptions of any people, animals or vehicles involved, and any photos or video. Do not put yourself at risk or confront anyone.
If an animal is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999.