Poaching

Agreed on 13 November 2025. Updated on 13 November 2025

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 .

Hair / 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.