Wednesday 9 June 2021
Hare coursing
Hare coursing is a UK wildlife crime priority and 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. It is predominantly a seasonal crime, occurring during the spring as crops emerge into fields and during late summer and early autumn when the crops have been harvested.
The persons involved in this antisocial activity will use lurchers, greyhounds and whippet dogs which hunt by sight and are normally walked across fields on slip leads and are released when any hares run off. It has been known for multiple dogs to chase one hare and money to change hands depending on which dog kills the hare.
I would urge anyone who wishes to report this type of crime; if they are a witness to this crime, or simply, if you are a farmer or a landowner and you’d like to report any suspicious activity or people on your land – particularly suspicious people with dogs such as lurchers or greyhounds – please contact police on 101.
If you witness anyone hare coursing please consider the following when noting details:-
- What was it about their actions that alerted you?
- What were the people doing, where were their dogs and what were they doing?
- What did the dog look like? What markings did it have? Take a photograph if possible and safe to do so.
- Get a comprehensive description of the people involved, how many, age height build, hair colour and style, clothing, anything distinctive?
- Details of any vehicles used or parked nearby (particularly number plates) that may be linked to the offenders.
Fly-tipping
Unfortunately we continue to see incidences of fly-tipping across the county. Any reports of fly-tipping can be reported through PKC Council website or through the Dumb Dumpers website.
Regards,
Graham Binnie.
Chief Inspector
Local Area Commander
Perth and Kinross