Hare and deer coursing

Actions

• 13 September 2026
  

  In August, the Frome and Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a proactive operation aimed at tackling rural crime across our communities.

  The operation was a great success, with officers identifying numerous illegal vehicles and gathering valuable evidence to support ongoing investigations and future enforcement activity.

  These proactive efforts demonstrate our continued commitment to tackling rural crime, protecting local communities, and bringing offenders to justice.

• 31 August 2026
  

   

  Hare and Deer Coursing Remains a Priority for Frome Rural Officers

  Sadly, we have recently received further reports of hare and deer coursing in the rural areas we serve, showing that these incidents are continuing to affect our communities.

  As part of our response, officers attended a recent incident and successfully recovered a hunting dog, which was taken to a local veterinary practice to receive appropriate care and treatment. Unfortunately, due to the incident occurring during the hours of darkness, those involved were able to leave the area before officers arrived and no suspects were apprehended.

  While this is disappointing, it demonstrates that vigilance from the public and prompt reporting of suspicious activity leads to action being taken. Every report helps us build intelligence, identify patterns of offending, and ultimately bring those responsible to justice.

  Hare and deer coursing is a serious rural crime. It is illegal, causes significant animal welfare harm, and is frequently linked to organised criminality. It also has a wider impact on rural communities through trespass, damage to farmland, intimidation, and anti-social behaviour.

  Avon and Somerset Police continues to treat hare and deer coursing as a priority, focusing on prevention, intelligence gathering, and robust enforcement activity to protect residents, landowners, livestock, and wildlife.

  How you can help

  The public plays a vital role in helping us tackle this type of crime.

  Report suspicious activity immediately

  If you see dogs being used to chase wildlife, vehicles driving across farmland, or groups acting suspiciously in rural areas:

  Call 999 if the incident is happening at the time.

  Report online via Avon and Somerset Police’s rural and wildlife crime reporting page.

  Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  Provide as much information as possible

  Details such as:

  Vehicle registrations and descriptions

  Number of people involved

  Dog breeds or descriptions

  Exact locations

  Direction of travel

  can all be invaluable to officers investigating these offences.

  Only record evidence if it is safe

  Photographs or video footage can greatly assist investigations, but please do not put yourself at risk or confront suspected offenders.

  Support rural vigilance

  Farmers, landowners, and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, secure access points where possible, and report repeated activity or concerning patterns.

  Share community concerns

  Information about ongoing issues and the impact these crimes are having locally helps shape patrol plans and enforcement activity carried out by your Neighbourhood Policing Team.

  We would like to thank everyone who continues to report suspicious activity and support our efforts. Information from the public is often the key factor in identifying offenders and preventing further incidents. By working together, we can continue to protect our rural communities, wildlife, and countryside from those who seek to cause harm.