Ten arrests over suspected hare coursing over winter clampdown on bloodsports by Humberside Police

A police clampdown on illegal hare coursing in East Yorkshire has led to action against 10 people

Three people have been arrested and seven others issued with court summons in recent months over the bloodsport, which involves releasing dogs to chase down hares.

Humberside Police said it was receiving reports “each weekend” of groups of people and dogs on private land, adding that many were travelling from outside the area despite lockdown restrictions.

Three men were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of hunting with dogs at Grimbthorpe, near Howden.

Three men were arrested at Grimbthorpe over suspected hunting activities

Officers were called to the scene by a local resident and a National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was sent out to help in the search.

Police described the operation as a "joint effort" which was benefited by members of Farmwatch, resulting in the three arrests, the seizure of a VW Caddy van and three dogs being seized under the Hunting Act.

All three men were questioned and released under investigation.

Wildlife & Rural Crime Sergeant Jenna Jones, leading the new Rural Task Force at Humberside Police, said: “We are continuing to receive reports each weekend of groups of people and dogs on private land across the East Riding.

“These reports are invaluable to us as we are deployed to locate and challenge those responsible.”

Criminal gangs still travelling to rural Yorkshire for illegal hare coursing as ...

It follows seven men being issued with court summonses over reported hare coursing on land near Wetwang, Rotsea and Nafferton in October and November.

Sgt Jones added: “These results send a clear message to those who are thinking about coming into the East Riding of Yorkshire to commit wildlife crime.

"We will take positive action on every occasion, and will look at utilising all the available legislation to prevent, deter and prosecute those who decide to engage in criminality around our countryside and to protect our rural community.

“Wherever we have the evidence we will prosecute offenders and we welcome the help of our rural communities in letting us know of incidents in their area. If people see anything suspicious they should always call 101 to report their concern to us.”

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