Taking a Stand Against Hare-Coursing: Protecting Our Farms and Communities
Richard Wade
Rural Crime Prevention. Farm Safety. 3D Training Services. Heavy Engineering Safety Audits.
Rural Crime Prevention (thinkific.com)
An incident occurred on August 21st, involving a farm worker from Marlborough in Wiltshire who was injured while attempting to photograph a car believed to be involved in hare-coursing activities. Hare-coursing is an illegal and inhumane activity where dogs chase and kill hares, often organized by criminal gangs who place bets on the outcomes.
The farm worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported that he saw a white Citroën car driving through a newly harvested stubble field near Marlborough. Concerned about the activity, he attempted to take a photograph of the car's number plate as it left the area. However, the driver of the car allegedly drove at him intentionally, knocking him to the ground and causing injuries to his leg and hand. The victim was then dragged several metres before the assailants stopped and fled the scene.
He was left with bruises, cuts, grazing to his leg and hand, as well as damage to his knee. Remarkably, he managed to provide the police with the first part of the car's number plate.
Hare-coursing remains a significant issue for farmers in the area, with criminals using newly harvested stubble fields as prime locations for their illegal activities. Farmer David Lemon, on whose farm the incident occurred, explained that criminal gangs often visit his farm up to three times a week to engage in hare-coursing. In response, farmers take various measures to deter trespassers, such as digging trenches and placing logs across gateways.
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has emphasised that hare-coursing is part of a broader network of organized crime, impacting not only Wiltshire but the entire country. He is committed to collaborating with crime commissioners in the South and West to combat these criminal gangs.
In light of this incident, Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the white Citroën car with three white male occupants in the area. Hare-coursing not only poses a threat to wildlife but also endangers the safety of those trying to prevent it. It is essential to report any suspicious activity to the authorities to help eradicate this illegal practice and protect our rural communities.