The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Four people have been charged with hare coursing offences after reports of hare coursing yesterday (Sunday, March 12).
Lincolnshire Police say they received numerous calls around Common Drove near Crowland around 10.30am.
Four dogs and a vehicle were seized.
Four men have been charged
Michael Chaulk, aged 25, of Bittams Lane Chertsey, Surrey was charged with:
- Hunting a wild mammal with dogs
- Trespass with intent to pursue hares with dogs
- Failing to comply with a community protection order
Edwards Connors, aged 21, of Rectory Lane, Banstead, Surrey, William Smith, aged 20, of Ecton Lane, Northampton, and a 17-year-old boy were each charged with the following:
- Hunting a wild mammal with dogs
- Trespass with intent to pursue hares with dogs
They have been released on bail and will appear at court in the near future.
Chief inspector Steve Williamson said: “One of our force priorities is hare coursing and our Rural Crime Action Team continue to take robust action against these offences.
“Hare coursing is criminal, as well as cruel and we will continue to work with communities and partners to tackle the problem.
“The majority of those we have arrested in recent months have been from outside of the county. These suspects are often linked to organised crime groups as well as hare coursing.
“Hare coursers will often seek to commit other criminal offences against the community as a whole. There has also been far too many occasions where hare coursers are also placing the public and police officers in real danger due to dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
“A message to anyone thinking about hare coursing in Lincolnshire: We will adapt our tactics and resources, and with the help of the people of Lincolnshire, we will arrest you, we will seize your vehicle, seize your dogs and work tirelessly to ensure a successful prosecution.”
“I would urge the public to be vigilant. If you spot any potential hare coursers, please contact us immediately.”
