Police Boost Patrols After ‘Surge’ in Hare Coursing

Law enforcement agencies are increasing their presence in a specific area of Shropshire due to what authorities have characterized as a “recent surge” in unlawful hare coursing and poaching activities. West Mercia Police stated that its personnel have enhanced their visibility in the northern Telford region to discourage offenders, following a rise in rural offenses, among which machinery theft was also noted. Authorities have advised local inhabitants to remain watchful and to report any activities they deem suspicious. A spokesperson for the police force further commented, “By working together, we can effectively combat these crimes and protect our rural areas.” Hare coursing, defined as the practice of employing dogs to pursue and kill hares, was outlawed by the Hunting Act enacted in 2004. According to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, individuals found guilty of hare coursing are subject to an unlimited monetary penalty and a potential custodial sentence of up to six months. For further updates, follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.