Good afternoon,
The National Farmers Union here in Wiltshire is working with the police to try and reduce the incidence of hare coursing across the county. As you may know, this activity (where dogs are released to chase and kill wild hare for the purpose of betting) is illegal and alongside the environmental crime involves trespass, criminal damage and threatening/intimidating behaviour to farmers and landowners.
As part of our wider work with the police, we have produced signs for our farmers to place around their property to raise awareness with the general public that this activity is illegal, and seek their support in reporting incidents or suspicious activity to the police.
In order to help spread awareness, we would like to ask if Wiltshire Parishes would be happy to print and put up the attached PDF on the local Parish News Board – would you be able to do this for us?
I have attached a colour and black and white version as well as a full colour depending on your preference.
We hope that a greater awareness amongst the public, coupled with more visible signage to the perpetrators, will help demonstrate that Wiltshire will not tolerate this crime and encourage coursers to go elsewhere.
You can find out more about the impacts of hare coursing and other rural crime issues in our latest report here: https://www.nfuonline.com/news/press-centre/press-releases/nfu-report-lays-bare-true-costs-of-rural-crime/ or via this video, shot with Wiltshire farmers online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6tpJqlZiIk
Many thanks for your time and support – if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Best wishes
Andi Witcombe
NFU County Adviser for Wiltshire
Download (PDF, Unknown)
Download (PDF, Unknown)
