Poaching
Sadly poaching is very much present in our country side, with our farming communities having to pay the price for this illegal and cruel activity.
Many people may think of poaching as a means for members of the community to be able to feed their families as times are obviously hard for some. Statically this is untrue with all the animals killed, often left at the road edge in in the field that the criminals dogs caught the animal and killed it in a horrible and inhumane manner.
Hare / Deer coursing is an illegal activity in which dogs – typically sighthounds like greyhounds or lurchers – are used to chase and kill hares. It is often organized for gambling or sport and usually takes place on farmland or open countryside.
Key points:
- Purpose: Participants bet on which dog will catch the hare first.
- Impact: Causes significant animal suffering and disrupts wildlife populations.
- Legal status: Prohibited under the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales. Offenders can face fines, imprisonment, and seizure of dogs and vehicles.
- Associated issues: Often linked to trespassing, criminal damage, and intimidation of landowners.
- Important Note:
Dogs used in hare or deer coursing do not distinguish between wild animals and pets. Sadly, this means that cats, small dogs, or other domestic animals can suffer the same fate if encountered during these illegal activities. - please report all suspicious activity ,whilst in the country side , for example, males with sighthounds like greyhounds or lurchers making their way across the fields.
- Please Note:
Poachers show no regard for farmland or crops. They will drive across fields in search of wildlife, often causing significant damage to sown crops. Their methods include releasing dogs to kill animals or using catapults and air rifles to shoot them – only to leave the carcasses behind.
This is not only cruel but also destructive to property and livelihoods. I strongly encourage anyone with information that could lead to the prosecution of these individuals to come forward.
Actions
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27 November 2025
Poaching and Hare Coursing – A Continuing Threat to Our Countryside
Poaching remains a serious issue in our rural communities, with farming families paying the price for this illegal and cruel activity.
Many people mistakenly believe poaching is about feeding families during hard times. Statistically, this is untrue. Animals killed during poaching are often left at the roadside or in fields where they were chased and killed by dogs in a brutal and inhumane manner.
What is Hare and Deer Coursing?
Hare and deer coursing is an illegal activity where dogs—typically sighthounds such as greyhounds or lurchers—are used to chase and kill hares or deer.
- Purpose: Participants often bet on which dog will catch the hare first.
- Impact: Causes severe animal suffering and disrupts wildlife populations.
- Legal Status: Prohibited under the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales. Offenders can face fines, imprisonment, and seizure of dogs and vehicles.
- Associated Issues: Frequently linked to trespassing, criminal damage, and intimidation of landowners.
Important Note: Dogs used in hare or deer coursing do not distinguish between wild animals and pets. Sadly, this means cats, small dogs, or other domestic animals can also fall victim to these illegal activities.
Recent Action
In response to these crimes, Frome PCSOs, Shepton Mallet officers, and the Rural Crime Team recently carried out a joint operation aimed at identifying and arresting individuals involved in hare coursing, poaching, and other forms of rural crime. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to protecting wildlife, farmland, and rural communities.
Signs to Watch For
- Groups of males with sighthounds (greyhounds, lurchers) walking across fields.
- Vehicles driving across farmland without permission.
- Use of catapults or air rifles to kill wildlife.
Poachers show no regard for farmland or crops, often causing significant damage to sown fields. Their methods include releasing dogs to kill animals or shooting them—only to leave the carcasses behind. This is not only cruel but also destructive to property and livelihoods.
What You Can Do
- Report suspicious activity immediately: If you see something, say something.
- Call 101 or use the online reporting service for non-emergencies.
- In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, dial 999.
- You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Your vigilance helps protect wildlife, property, and the safety of our rural communities.