Dead Hares Dumped

A NUMBER of deceased hares have been unlawfully dumped in a tranquil residential area in Rayleigh, sometime during the night of September 20 or the early hours of September 21.

The event has raised concerns about their being potential illegal hare coursing, a practice where dogs are unleashed upon hares.

A total of nine hares were discovered alongside a recently constructed small road adjacent to London Road.

Inspector Keith Hogben is actively seeking information regarding the incident as part of an investigation launched by the RSPCA.

He expressed his distress at the fate of these hares and emphasized the likelihood of them being victims of coursing.

He said: “The circumstances surrounding these hares are deeply saddening, and it is my belief that they may have fallen prey to coursing within the vicinity.

“We implore anyone with knowledge about the events concerning these unfortunate animals to contact our inspectorate appeal line. We are eager to hear from individuals who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area.”

This situation coincides with a reminder from Essex Police’s rural engagement officers, who have made it clear that hare coursers and poachers are not welcome in Essex.

According to police data, incidents of hare coursing in the region decreased by 50.4% in the year leading up to March 31, 2023. A total of 180 incidents were documented, down from 363 in the preceding year, representing a reduction of 183 cases.

In the previous year, law enforcement authorities intensified their collaboration with the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopters and deployed drones to enhance their capacity to detect hare coursers in action. This allowed them to track and apprehend suspects efficiently.

Danielle Belton, chairman of Rayleigh Town Council, said: “It’s shocking, horrible and very sad.

“This is not something we want happening in Rayleigh, and I hope residents would support the authorities if they had any information to help with the investigation.”

Mr Hogben added that hare coursing is “horrific and the RSPCA firmly believes that the cruel practice of chasing and killing live animals with dogs is barbaric and outdated pastime and has no place in modern Britain”.

Anyone with information is asked to call: 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01156892.

Picture: Some of the dumped hares. Picture by RSPCA.
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