Gangs, violence and dumped dead animals: The hidden world of illegal hare hunts

The hidden world of illegal hare coursing is casting a dark shadow across the British countryside, with farmers reporting attacks and intimidation. Official figures reveal the scale of the problem, as police forces across the UK have received close to 9,000 reports related to the banned activity in recent times.

This illegal practice, which involves chasing hares with greyhounds or other sighthounds, is not merely a nuisance; it is often accompanied by violence and threats. Farmers have spoken out about facing intimidation from gangs who use their land for these hunts, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in rural communities.

The grim reality of these illegal hunts is further underscored by the discovery of dumped dead animals. This disturbing detail points to the brutal and often callous nature of the operations, raising serious concerns about animal welfare and the wider criminal elements potentially involved. The sheer volume of reports suggests a deeply entrenched issue that continues to plague rural areas despite being outlawed.

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Farmers talk of attacks as police receive nearly 9,000 reports of banned hare coursing, the BBC finds.