FOUR men have been arrested for suspected hare coursing in Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Police arrested the men following two separate incidents were reported in July.
Members of the public reported seeing the men hunting with dogs near Ludgershall and then 'lamping' - a practice where torchlight is used to dazzle and scare animals at night in order to shoot them - in Laverstock areas.
The men have been summonsed to appear before court at a future date.
Rural Crime Tactical Lead, Chief Inspector James Brain said: “There is no place in Wiltshire for those who persist in hare coursing. Not only is it brutally cruel and illegal but often has links to other crimes.”
“In her letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner dated 2 August, Chief Constable Catherine Roper has been very clear about the importance of tackling crime affecting rural communities - with renewed focus on poaching and hare coursing as well as the theft of farm machinery.
“The Rural Crime Team will continue to work very closely with our Burglary Team, Local Policing Tasking Teams and rural crime partners to ensure we have regular and targeted proactive activity to tackle crime affecting rural communities.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who called 999 to report these incidents.”
In an emergency or if you witness a crime in progress, always call 999.
Use the online reporting form for any crimes you have witnessed after the event. www.wiltshire.police.uk
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