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Rural Crime Wave: International gangs target UK hares
1 Jan
Summary
- Hare coursing gangs use dogs on mammals, livestreaming bets globally.
- Wiltshire offenses rose 20%, with 30 arrests since January 2025.
- International networks linked to stolen farm equipment and smuggled goods.
Hare coursing, a criminal enterprise involving setting dogs on hares for illegal betting, is escalating in rural Britain. Wiltshire police report a significant surge in related offenses, with a 20% increase in the past year and a 500% rise in arrests since January 2025. These gangs, often operating across the UK, exploit open fields after harvests, livestreaming chases to international gamblers.
The crime is deeply entwined with organized criminal networks involved in smuggling stolen farm equipment and vehicles, with links reaching as far as China and Eastern Europe. Landowners are installing costly defenses against incursions, but coursers frequently damage property, causing significant financial and emotional distress.
While hare coursing is outlawed under the Hunting Act 2004, enforcement faces challenges. Police forces are increasing patrols and using armed officers, but offenders are adept at evasion. Conservation successes leading to larger hare populations inadvertently fuel the crime. Efforts are underway to combat this, with police, animal welfare groups, and agricultural organizations collaborating to tackle the crisis.
