Hare and Deer Coursing
Hare and deer coursing is a serious rural crime which is illegal and frequently associated with organised criminality. It causes severe animal welfare harm and has a wider impact on communities through trespass, damage to land and anti‑social behaviour. Avon and Somerset Police are treating this as a priority, focusing on prevention, intelligence gathering and robust enforcement to protect residents, landowners and wildlife.
How the public can help
Members of the public play a vital role in helping us tackle hare and deer coursing. You can support this work by:
- Reporting suspicious activity promptly
If you see dogs being used to chase wildlife, vehicles driving on farmland, or groups acting suspiciously in rural areas, please report it.
• Call 999 if the incident is happening now
• Call 101 for non‑emergency information
• Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 - Providing accurate information
When reporting, details such as vehicle descriptions, registration numbers, number of people involved, dog types, locations and direction of travel are extremely valuable. - Only recording if safe to do so
Photos or video can assist investigations, but only if it is safe and without putting yourself at risk. Do not confront suspected offenders. - Supporting rural vigilance
Farmers, landowners and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, secure access points where possible and report repeated activity or patterns. - Sharing community concerns
Information about ongoing issues or community impact can be shared with your local neighbourhood policing team and helps inform patrols and enforcement activity.