Hare coursing operation underway in Lincolnshire
Operation Galileo will focus on the seizure of dogs and vehicles, as this is thought to be the greatest deterrent.
A police operation to tackle hare coursing in Lincolnshire is now underway and officers have so far arrested three people and seized three dogs and a vehicle.
Illegal hare coursing typically begins in September and peaks through to the end of March. While the practice is banned in England and Wales, it continues on a large scale in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
Lincolnshire Police chief inspector Jim Tyner says this year Operation Galileo will focus on the seizure of dogs and vehicles, as this is thought to be the greatest deterrent.
Two men and a 17-year-old youth from County Durham were arrested during the first weekend of the operation, following allegations of hare coursing near North Cockerington, Louth. Police also seized three dogs and a Nissan Almera. The three men have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
The dogs are being cared for in kennels and police say an application will be made for forfeiture and rehoming.
There were a total of 27 reports of hare coursing over the weekend (3-4 September), across Spalding, The Deepings, Sleaford, Boston and The Wolds.
Chief inspector Tyner added: "The message from me is simple: get caught hare coursing in Lincolnshire and we will seize your vehicle, seize your dogs and see you in court."
The county, along with other rural areas, saw a significant rise in reports of hare coursing during the 2015/16 season.
National Farmers Union (NFU) county adviser, Gordon Corner, said farmers and growers face "tremendous pressure and stress" from hare coursing gangs.
"The intimidation and threats of violence experienced by them and their families must not be a feature of every hare coursing season. Lincolnshire Police and the NFU will work together to stamp out this worrying and pernicious crime."
Police have introduced a new NFU-funded text reporting service. Rural communities can report illegal hare coursing by texting the word 'Hare' to 80800 with further information such as vehicle registration numbers. The 101 number should be used where police attendance is needed, or 999 for emergencies.
