Hare killed in Clanfield as police investigate coursing incidents with 4x4 dumped and set on fire

A hare has been killed during a coursing incident in Clanfield.

Police are trying to track down the offenders following the death of the animal yesterday (September 21). A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said one incident was reported to police in Clanfield, while another happened in the Lovedean area.

They added that coursers were seen in a field on both occasions. “A hare was reportedly killed in the Clanfield incident,” they added. “Offenders had left the area prior to police arrival. No arrests have been made.”

Hare coursing is illegal and involves hunting and tracking small mammals with dogs such as greyhounds or lurchers. The pursuit was made a criminal offence in the Hunting Act 2004.

A police social media statement said similar incidents have taken place in Upham, seven miles south east of Winchester. Police added that officers were also deployed in the early hours of today (September 22) after a 4x4 vehicle was dumped in a field in Stratfield Saye and set on fire.

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“Separately in the east of the county, a member of the public located an abandoned lurcher which was in poor condition – the animal will receive professional care before efforts are made to rehome the dog,” the force said.

“No arrests were made on these occasions, however we will continue to follow up enquiries and develop the intelligence picture around any people or vehicles involved in this offending. Please keep reporting incidents of hare coursing and suspicious activity, including abandoned or burnt out vehicles on farmland, to police. If a hare coursing incident is in progress, dial 999.”

Anyone with information is advised to call 101, or submit a report online via the police website. Anonymous reports can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.