Hartlepool man is first person in the country to breach a community protection notice for hare coursing

Michael Lund, 51, of Lazenby Road, Hartlepool, did not appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court last month, but pleaded guilty to the breach of the notice (CPN) by post.

Lund was first issued with a CPN in October 2019 after being seen coursing for hares at locations in East Yorkshire, including Asselby, Halsham, Paull, Harpham, Nafferton and Lowthorpe

On January 24 this year Lund returned to the Nafferton and Lowthorpe area to course for hares when he was stopped by Humberside Police.

Although no offences had been committed under the Hunting or Game Act, his dog was not wearing a collar and he was therefore in breach of the CPN.

Lund failed to pay a fixed penalty notice which led to the case being brought to court and he was fined £293, costs of £333 and a victim surcharge of £32.

Nigel Brignall, anti-social behaviour manager at East Riding Council, said: “Dogs are known to brutally kill hares and there is no excuse for Michael Lund, or anyone else, to behave in such a cruel and insensitive manner.”

PC Richard Fussey, wildlife officer for Humberside Police, said the prosecution of Lund was a “rewarding outcome” for the partnership between the force, East Riding Council and landowners.

Weekly patrols will continue throughout the hare coursing season to act as a deterrent.

He said hare coursing was an ongoing issue, with offenders often causing significant damage to crops and repeated incidents continuing to alarm local residents.