Wildlife

Wild Hare Coursing Enforcement

Illegal hare coursing continues in eastern England despite the ban under the Hunting Act 2004, causing welfare harm to hares and rural communities.

Key Facts

Hare coursing involves dogs being set to pursue live hares for sport
It has been illegal in England and Wales since 2004 under the Hunting Act
Eastern counties including Lincolnshire and Norfolk are particularly affected
Large criminal gangs are often involved with significant sums wagered on courses
Operation Galileo was established by police forces to coordinate enforcement

Welfare Considerations

Coursed hares are pursued to exhaustion and killed or injured by dogs. The intense chase causes extreme fear and physiological stress even in hares that escape. The welfare harm is severe, direct, and legally prohibited. Reporting suspected coursing activity promptly and supporting enforcement operations is the primary welfare intervention available to members of the public.

What You Can Do

Report suspected hare coursing to police immediately using 999 for ongoing incidents
Support Operation Galileo by reporting suspicious vehicles and activity in rural areas
Advocate for stronger sentencing for convicted coursers
Support rural crime teams and wildlife officers dedicated to coursing enforcement
Learn to recognise signs of coursing activity including groups watching dogs in fields