Скачать или смотреть Tackling Hare Coursing in Sussex

Hare coursing is defined as the illegal pursuit and killing of hares using dogs, often involving large, organised groups of people, betting, and linked to other crimes such as theft, vandalism, and intimidation. Illegal in the UK since the Hunting Act 2004, this seasonal activity takes place on open farmland when crops are low, allowing hares little cover.

The Sussex Rural Crime Team (RCT) are alert to hare coursing in Sussex and the issues caused by this crime. It is not just the wildlife who are impacted but also the landowners, as individuals illegally access and using their land for this activity.

Leading the way, Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team introduced ‘Operation Galileo’ – a dedicated effort to tackle hare coursing and this operation is now a national operation across all police force areas.

In August alone, the Sussex RCT conducted nearly 26 hours of Op Galileo patrols after receiving reports or intelligence relating to hare coursing. These patrols span across the county, specifically in the Adur, Mid Sussex, Wealden, Lewes and Rother Districts.