Images and video released after reports of suspected hare coursing

Описание: ⚠️ Warning - this video contains footage that some viewers may find distressing ⚠️

Police are releasing images and drone video footage of several men they are looking to speak to in order to assist with their enquiries into criminal damage and hare coursing in Therfield, North Hertfordshire.

Police were called at 1pm on Saturday, 25 January to Mill Lane in Therfield, to reports of several people in vehicles trespassing on private land. On arrival, Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) officers captured evidence via their drone and guided colleagues into the area. The activity also led to a pursuit involving the Roads Policing Unit.

Sergeant Alex Winning from the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) said, “It is believed that a number of vehicles set off from Cambridgeshire and proceeded into Hertfordshire, going through fields, breaking gates and are then suspected to have taken part in hare coursing.

“There was significant damage to arable land caused by 4x4 vehicles and hare coursing offences committed contrary to the Hunting Act of 2004.

“Hare coursing sees running dogs set onto a hare and the dogs compete and are judged by how closely they can follow the twists and turns of the hare as it tries to escape, and if they ultimately catch and kill it. The dogs are competing and gambling is often involved.

“Anyone found guilty of hare coursing could face punishments including unlimited fines and the possibility of imprisonment.

“Two of the vehicles involved were a Blue Subaru Forester and a Silver Toyota RAV4.

“We are aware of videos circulating on social media showing some of what took place and we would ask anyone who recognises any of the individuals in the photos or video to please report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, email ROST at [email protected] or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/8284/25.

“Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”

You can find out more information about illegal hunting on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website.

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