Hare coursing duo hit with heavy penalties

Two men have been sentenced after admitting to hare coursing offences following an incident in rural Lincolnshire.

On Thursday 22 January, William Finney, 48, and Gavin Lee, 54, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, where they pleaded guilty to hunting a wild mammal with a dog, contrary to the Hunting Act 2004.

The case followed a report of hare coursing on farmland in the Dogdyke area on 11 December 2024.

See also: Video: Police disperse more than 50 poachers on farmland

Witnesses reported seeing one man running a greyhound across the land, while another was seen carrying a shotgun. Police officers later discovered two dead hares at the scene.

Although both men claimed the animals had been shot, X-rays and post-mortem examinations proved this was not the case.

At Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, Finney was fined a total of £3,885, which included kennelling costs. Lee was fined £725.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of several items linked to the offence, including two iPhones, one dog, a dog collar, two dog leads, a shotgun, a thermal imager and four shotgun cartridges.

In addition, both Finney and Lee were made subject to criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) lasting 10 years, placing strict conditions on their future conduct.

Clear message

Lincolnshire Police have reiterated that firearms and shotgun certificate holders involved in criminal activity should be aware that certificates will be reviewed and revoked where appropriate.

The force said the case sends a clear message that hare coursing will not be tolerated and that those involved can expect robust enforcement and serious consequences.