Hare and Deer Coursing
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.
Actions
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6 May 2026
Hare and Deer Coursing
Hare and deer coursing is a serious rural crime. It is illegal and commonly linked to organised criminality. This activity causes significant animal welfare harm and negatively impacts rural communities through trespass, damage to land, intimidation and anti‑social behaviour.
Avon and Somerset Police treats hare and deer coursing as a priority. We are committed to prevention, intelligence‑led policing and robust enforcement to protect residents, landowners and wildlife.
How the Public Can Help
Members of the public play a vital role in tackling hare and deer coursing. You can support this work by:
Reporting Suspicious Activity Promptly
Please report anything that causes concern, including:
- Dogs being used to chase wildlife
- Vehicles accessing farmland or private land
- Groups behaving suspiciously in rural areas
How to report:
- 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 can make a real difference. Helpful information includes:
- Vehicle descriptions and registration numbers
- Number of people involved
- Types and number of dogs
- Exact locations
- Direction of travel
Only Record If It Is Safe
Photographs or video footage can assist investigations, but only if it is safe to do so. Please do not put yourself at risk and do not confront suspected offenders.
Supporting Rural Vigilance
Farmers, landowners and residents are encouraged to:
- Remain vigilant
- Secure access points where possible
- Report repeat incidents or emerging patterns
Sharing Community Concerns
Information about ongoing issues or the wider community impact can be shared with your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. This helps inform patrols, prevention activity and enforcement priorities.