POLICE in Alcester are alerting people to the blood sport of hare coursing and asking for people’s help in stopping it locally.
This is 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 and anyone convicted of the offence can be fined of up to £5,000.
Alcester’s rural landscape makes it a popular area for hare coursing, often attracting people from outside of the county.
Police say the most obvious sign is groups of vehicles parked in a rural area, perhaps by a gateway to farmland, on a grass verge, on a farm track or bridle path.
These will usually be estate cars, four wheel drives or vans and it should be obvious looking inside whether there is evidence of dogs or not.
The vehicles often travel in convoy, with vans at the front and rear containing minders and the coursers will often use binoculars to spot hares and will walk along the edge of a field to frighten a hare into the open.
Police say if you see anything suspicious call the officers at Alcester on 101 immediately although they warn people not to approach the participants.
A spokesperson said: “It may help us if you can answer any of the questions when reporting wildlife crime:
· Are the suspect/s alone or in a group?
· Are they trespassing?
· Do they have equipment with them?
· Do they have dogs or firearms with them?
· Where are they going?
· Where have they been?
· What do they look like?
· Have they any vehicles?
· What are the number plates and vehicle models?
· Can you safely get a photograph?
Members of the public are reminded that there are many other, legitimate, country pursuits.
For more information visit the National Rural Crime Network – www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net
