Area Commanders Report – Police Scotland

HARE COURSING

Hare coursing has been illegal since 2004 and is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is committed by a small number of individuals, who travel far and wide to indulge in this illegal activity .Hare coursing tends to increase at this time of year after harvest when large areas of land have been cleared of crops. Hare coursing usually occurs at dawn or dusk.

I am asking for our rural communities to be aware of the potential of hare coursing as they can assist us fighting it by looking out for the following activity:-

Vehicles parked in rural areas at gateways to farmland, on farm tracks or bridleways.

Vehicles are usually estate cars, four wheel drive vehicles or small vans. They are often old tatty looking vehicles.

Hare coursers usually walk along the edge of harvested fields to frighten the hares into the open space for the dogs to chase. They will usually use lurchers, greyhounds and whippet dogs.

If you see hare coursing taking place, or suspect it is happening contact Police on 101.  If you can, take a note of the vehicles and registration numbers, also how many people are present and a description of them. If the opportunity arises then continue to monitor any persons from a safe distance rather than challenging them of your own accord.