Seven men charged in hare coursing crackdown

Seven men have been charged after police uncovered alleged hare coursing activity involving multiple vehicles, a pursuit on the A303, and the discovery of dead hares and poaching equipment.

In the early hours of Saturday 25 April, officers responded to reports of three vehicles allegedly hare coursing across rural land near Ludgershall, north-east of Salisbury, Wiltshire.

See also: What to do if you’re a victim of… hare coursing

Police car involved in hare coursing crackdown © Hampshire Police

“One of the vehicles was subsequently stopped following a pursuit on the A303 in Hampshire, while another was found abandoned,” said a statement from Wiltshire Police.

Seven people were arrested after officers discovered the vehicles contained dead hares, lurchers and equipment linked to poaching.

Wiltshire Police said the operation involved “excellent collaborative police work” with neighbouring officers from Hampshire Police.

The following have been charged with being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs:

• Paddy Cash, 20, of Watling Farm Close, Stanmore, near London
• Patrick Connors, 27, of Devonshire Green, Farnham Royal, Slough
• Tommy Frankham, 21, of Sandy Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire
• John Nicholson, 20, of Northlands, Royston, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
• Joseph Smith, 25, of Leatherhead, Surrey
• Albert Smith, 25, of Woodstock Lane South, Chessington, Surrey
• Nathan Smith, 18, of Chalfont Road, Chalfont Saint Giles, Buckinghamshire.

They have been bailed to appear before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in August.

Supt Conway Duncan, from Wiltshire Police, said: “We recognise the impact crimes like hare coursing have on our rural and farming communities. We are committed to proactively policing these issues and will take robust action against those responsible.

“We rely on reports from the public to help us target our operational activity. If you see hare coursing taking place, ring 999 to report a crime in progress.”