Hare Coursing

Hare coursing involves setting two running dogs onto a brown hare. The dogs compete by chasing the hare, judged on how closely they follow its twists and turns — often ending in the hare being caught and killed.

Gambling is frequently involved. The dogs are not just hunting — they’re competing.

This is illegal, causes immense suffering, and poses a serious threat to our wildlife and rural communities.

If you witness hare coursing in progress, call 999 immediately.
For non-urgent reports, call 101 or report online:
Avon and Somerset Police – Report rural or wildlife crime

Help us protect our countryside.

Actions

• 21 December 2025
  

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  Hare Coursing & Rural Crime Update

  We’re pleased to report a noticeable decrease in hare coursing incidents over the past two weeks. This reduction follows continued targeted work across our rural areas, and we’re grateful to everyone who has supported us by reporting suspicious activity and sharing local intelligence.

  On 17th December, officers from both the Frome and Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Policing Teams conducted a five‑hour dedicated anti‑poaching operation, covering a large section of rural Frome and Shepton Mallet. This joint operation focused on deterring poaching, hare coursing, and other rural crime, while improving visibility in areas known to be targeted.

  Your information and vigilance continue to play a crucial role in helping us disrupt offenders and protect farmland, livestock, and wildlife.

  Please keep reporting

  • Call 999 if an incident is happening right now or if offenders are on the land.
  • Report non‑urgent information online:
    https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/rural-or-wildlife-crime

  Together with the support of our farming community and rural residents, we’ll continue working to keep our countryside safe and protected.

• 10 December 2025
  

  Hare Coursing Update

  We’re pleased to report that hare coursing incidents have significantly decreased over the past two weeks. We hope that our targeted patrols and increased visibility in rural areas have contributed to this positive outcome.

  As your Neighbourhood Policing Team, we want to thank members of the public and our farming communities for their invaluable assistance. Your support has helped us develop relevant intelligence and strengthen our efforts.

  We kindly ask that you continue to report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to us:

  • Call 999 if the incident is happening right now.
  • Report online via https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/rural-or-wildlife-crime.
• 27 November 2025
  

  In recent weeks, we’ve seen an increase in reports from members of the public about suspicious activity in their communities. We want to express our sincere appreciation for these reports, as some of the information provided has been vital in helping us develop intelligence.

  Please continue to report any concerns to us:

  • Call 999 if the incident is happening right now.
  • Report online via https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/rural-or-wildlife-crime.

  Your vigilance makes a real difference in keeping our communities safe.

• 17 November 2025
  

  The Frome Neighbourhood Policing Team is working closely with neighbouring forces to share intelligence and coordinate targeted patrols aimed at tackling illegal activity. This joint approach strengthens our ability to respond effectively to hare coursing and improves the chances of catching offenders who continue to place a heavy strain on rural communities.

• 29 October 2025
  

  Help us stop hare coursing and protect our countryside

  We understand the frustration— “but nothing happens.”
  But your reports do matter. They help us:

  • Build intelligence
  • Identify illegal vehicles
  • Plan targeted patrols
  • Secure more resources.

  How to report
  Visit the rural and wildlife crime reporting page, choose the right form, fill it in, and submit.
  🔗 Report rural or wildlife crime | Avon and Somerset Police
  All reports are treated confidentially.

  Immediate incidents are attended when feasible, but your reports also help us fight crime long-term.

  So please: Report. Report. Report.
  Together, we can protect the landscapes and wildlife we all cherish.

   

• 15 October 2025
  

  Rural Patrols Update
  Thanks to your reports, our Neighbourhood Policing Team is focusing patrols where they’re needed most.

  Keep reporting — it makes a real difference!

• 28 September 2025
  

  PCSO’s have been carrying out targeted patrols in locations known for hare coursing, as these areas can be used repeatedly. PCSO’s have discussed using What Three Words with farmers and land owners when hare coursing is witnessed, as this will pin point offenders quickly.