Farmers and residents are being urged to be vigilant following a rose in reports of hare coursing in areas at Minster and Acol.
A warning of the activity has been posted on the Hare Preservation Trust social media account and issued by Kent Police after reports of the illegal activity taking place on fields at Cleve.
The Trust says if suspicions are raised when sighting vehicles and people with lurchers, then make a report to police.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Farmers and residents of rural communities near Minster are reminded to be vigilant following a recent rise in reports of hare coursing.
“If you see anything suspicious call Kent Police on 101 or if a crime is in progress call 999. Alternatively you can call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
“Documenting vehicle details and passing them to police can also assist in early intervention.”
Hare coursing is illegal. Dogs are encouraged to chase down the hares to the point of exhaustion and, once caught by the dogs, the hares are savagely attacked.
Under the new law introduced in 2022 those convicted of hare coursing, going equipped, or trespassing with intent to pursue hares face unlimited fines and up to six months in prison.
Lovely excuses for people , love a gamble too . Wonder why these complete pieces of rubbish have suddenly increased in the area ??????? New neighbours? Just moved in ????either way cruel bastards and unwanted locally .
6 months they be out in a jiffy they won’t care that’s easy time give the same sentence has murderers a fine what £1000 that be nothing either really who makes up the rules on how long someone should get shop lifters get more than that
How many have been prosecuted under this legislation? Let alone received the maximum penalty. There’s a well known hare courser lives in the dover area. Does as they wish and to my knowledge has never been held to account. The damage done to hedges, fences, gates , fields and ditches when gaining access to land for coursing should’nt be underestimated.
If found guilty, seize and crush their caravan, sorry I mean car.