Five dogs have been seized by Cambridgeshire police following a high speed chase which resulted in the arrest of five men suspected to have been partaking in hare coursing.
Officers and the police force’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) were informed about reports of hare coursing taking place on across South Cambridgeshire on February 11.
In response to the reports, police tracked a black Mitsubishi Shogun believed to be involved and followed it to the A1198, where an attempt was made to stop the vehicle, however the driver “made off at speed” to evade officers.
A high speed chase between officers and the suspected vehicle ensued and a stinger device was deployed by police, deflating three of the Shogun’s tyres.
Despite the punctures, the vehicle was able to continue travelling before it was abandoned in Fox Road, Bourn just before 1:30pm.
Officers pursed the suspects after six men fled the Shogun, which resulted in five of them being detained shortly after.
Offences
Cambridgeshire police stated that the five offenders have been reported for various offences, including making off without paying, failing to stop for police, and dangerous driving.
Officers at the scene seized the vehicle and the five dogs found within it, as they were believed to have been used in crime.
Sergeant Tom Nuttall from the RCAT said: “Hare coursing is an illegal activity that causes significant suffering to wildlife and harms our rural communities; it will not be tolerated here in Cambridgeshire.
“We will continue to work closely with farmers, landowners and local residents to respond to reports and disrupt those intent on committing these offences.”
Cambridgeshire police advised anyone who witnesses hare coursing to report it to police immediately by calling 999.
In addition to this, any information about suspicious vehicles, trespassers, or other concerns can be reported by dialling 101 or on the Cambridgeshire police website.
