10 hare coursers evade police in dramatic chase
© NFU A group of 10 men suspected of hare coursing evaded Cambridgeshire police in a dramatic car chase on Saturday (11 October).
The men were travelling in a four-by-four vehicle, with dogs on board, when they raised suspicion and were pursued by police on patrol in Balsham, near Linton.
The chase came to a stop when the car tyres were punctured by a stinger device, though the men fled the scene on foot through nearby fields.
See also: Two hare coursers banned from farmland in landmark ruling
Police have seized the vehicle, and several dogs will be rehomed.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary confirmed that no arrests have been made, and inquiries are ongoing.
Watch Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s video of the chase.
Operation Galileo
The constabulary, in partnership with Essex Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary, and the National Police Air Service, began coordinated action in September under Operation Galileo to tackle hare coursing.
The operation involves increased police patrols, intelligence sharing and the use of advanced technology.
Officers are also working closely with farming communities to disrupt criminal behaviour, seize vehicles and equipment and secure prosecutions against offenders.
Tougher measures
Despite tougher measures to crack down on the “sport” being introduced through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, hare coursing continues to blight the British countryside.
Anyone caught participating in the practice can face unlimited fines and up to six months in prison, and hare coursing remains a criminal offence under the Hunting Act 2004.