Duo arrested after reports of hare coursing

Two people have been arrested after police were contacted by members of the public about alleged hare coursing.

Officers from Gloucestershire Police's rural crime team went to the Dursley and Tetbury area on 24 September after calls from local residents.

The force said the suspects, aged 17 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of hunting a wild mammal with dogs, but later released on bail as the investigation continues.

Hare coursing is an illegal activity where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

Gloucestershire Police said the 19-year-old man is from Devon and the 17-year-old boy is from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

The force said hare coursing is not only cruel but is also sometimes associated with other crimes, including theft, criminal damage, violence, and intimidation.

Sgt Sam Swinford acknowledged that wildlife law can be "complicated", but urged rural residents to keep reporting anything they think may be illegal.

The force added farmers can protect their land and livestock from poachers in a number of ways, including the installation of poacher blocks that can prevent access to fields.

"I would like to thank the farmers and other members of the public for the information that led to these arrests," added Sgt Swinford.

"It's very satisfying that the poacher blocks are having the desired effect and helping us to target wildlife crime and preventing crop damage.

"We continue to urge the public to report offences like this to us as gathering intelligence helps us stop criminals in their tracks."

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