Wiltshire Council is urging residents to help tackle illegal hare coursing after a sharp increase in stray and injured dogs, particularly lurchers, across the county.
In the past three months, the council’s Dog Warden Team has collected 60 stray dogs, of which 20 were lurchers. Many were found underweight or injured and are suspected to have been abandoned following coursing activity. While all strays are cared for in holding kennels, only three of the 20 lurchers have so far been claimed by owners, leaving the majority in need of rehoming.
Cllr Paul Sample, JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I am very concerned to hear about the increase in stray lurcher-type dogs in Wiltshire. Our officers suspect that these are being used for hare coursing. This is a rural crime and an animal welfare issue. Dogs are being dumped, injured and left to fend for themselves.
"I want to be clear: animal crime is not welcome in our county. I am calling on residents to report hare coursing immediately by dialling 999, and to contact the Dog Warden straight away if they come across a stray dog.”
Hare coursing, which involves using dogs to chase hares, is an illegal activity under the Hunting Act 2004. Police say it has a significant impact on rural communities, from financial losses to heightened fear of crime among victims.
T/Chief Inspector Andy Lemon, from Wiltshire Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “The cost of poaching and hare coursing in rural communities is high. Earlier this month, we arrested four people on suspicion of hare coursing in a field at Burbage.
"We urge the public to report suspicious activity such as 4x4s driving across open land, the presence of lurcher-type dogs, flashing lamps or groups gathering in farmland. By reporting, you help us make Wiltshire a hostile environment for those who commit this crime.”
The council and police are reminding residents to:
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Report stray dogs to the Dog Warden Team on 0300 456 0107 (24 hours).
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Report hare coursing in progress by calling 999.
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Respect private land and keep to public rights of way to avoid escalating tensions in rural areas.
Support is also available for farmers affected by trespass or hare coursing. Advice includes contacting Wiltshire Police on 101, reporting anonymously via Crimestoppers, and working with local rural crime teams on deterrents such as signage and surveillance.
More information, including how to report strays, is available at: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/env-health-dogs
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