Police urge rural landowners to remain vigilant following increase in 'hare coursing' calls

Dyfed Powys Police are urging rural landowners to remain vigilant following an increase in the number of calls surrounding hare coursing and lamping rabbits.

Hare coursing is the use of dogs to chase, catch and kill hares, made illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.

It tends to start after harvest or when the crops are low in the field, but police are now finding it takes place all year round.

Lamping is another method which involves using lights in darkness to startle animals before killing them.

The Rural Crime Team in Dyfed Powys have seen an increase in calls of people suspected to be coursing hares on private land, in which permission has not been sought.

They're now urging rural landowners to remain vigilant and to ensure that gates and access points are secured.

A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said: "We urge any land owners that suspect hare coursing is taking place on their land, to report it to the police immediately, as hare coursing is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.

"Any land owners that suspect individuals are using their land to go ‘lamping’, without the landowners permission, should also contact the Police."

Police are asking the public not to approach any individuals that are suspected to be coursing or lamping. They're asked to contact the police directly instead and provide as much detail as possible.

If you have any information, you can contact Dyfed Powys Police online, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.