Two men have been arrested in connection with hare coursing during a county-wide crack down on rural crime.
The men, aged 24 and 62 and from the Bolton area, were arrested on suspicion of handling dogs for the purpose of hare coursing in Barrows Lane, Hambleton, on Sunday morning (18 September).
Both have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Wildlife officer Mark Thomas, Lancashire Constabulary, said: “It is important that residents living in rural areas remain vigilant and contact the police if they suspect people are hare coursing in their area. This kind of activity usually takes place during daylight and one of the signs for residents to look out for is people walking across land with ‘long’ dogs, such as lurchers, which are typically used in this cruel sport.
“Hare coursing itself is illegal, but those who are determined to do it often carry it out on land where they do not have permission to be. Not only are they trespassing, but there is also the risk that they will commit other offences, such as criminal damage or theft, while they are there.”
Hare coursing involves the pursuit of hares by dogs for competition. It is illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act and has been since 2005.
The arrests come as part of the week-long Operation Firecrest, which is aimed at tackling crime in rural areas.
Officers have been carrying out extra patrols in remote areas; targeting suspected offenders; making visits to farms and rural businesses to offer crime prevention advice and hosting community meetings as well as providing a police presence at auction marts and other key locations.
In addition, specialist wildlife officers and representatives from the Environment Agency, United Utilities and other agencies will be carrying out enforcement activity including anti-poaching patrols and warrants.
Multi-agency roadside checks will also be taking place throughout the week to identify travelling criminals and to deter the theft of livestock and plant equipment.
Finally, farmers, landowners and gamekeepers will be encouraged to work collectively with the police to help identify, disrupt and deter criminals targeting the Lancashire countryside through initiatives like Farm Watch and Rural Watch.
Anyone with information about rural crime is asked to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency dial 999.
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