Dyfed-Powys Police is urging rural land owners to remain vigilant following an increase in calls surrounding hare coursing and lamping rabbits.

Hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with sight hounds, which chase the hare by sight and not by scent. It was made illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.

Lamping is another method which involves using high-powered lights in darkness to startle animals before killing them.

The Rural Crime Team at Dyfed-Powys Police has received an increase in calls of people suspected to be hare coursing and/or lamping rabbits on private land, in which permission has not been sought.

The team have urged that all land owners in rural locations remain vigilant, ensuring to keep gates and access points secured.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We urge any land owners that suspect hare coursing is taking place on their land, to report it to the police immediately, as hare coursing is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.

“Any land owners that suspect individuals are using their land to go ‘lamping’, without the landowners permission, should also contact the Police.

“We would ask members of the public not to approach any individuals that are suspected to be hare coursing or lamping. Instead, we ask that you contact the Police and provide as much detail as possible.”

As well as being an issue of animal welfare, offending in order to facilitate hare coursing can also have a wider impact. This can include vandalism of property, loss of income for farmers and landowners, theft, intimidation and road traffic issues including the driving of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles. Hare coursing can cause significant disturbance in the countryside and is a cause of serious concern to those who live in rural communities.

Hare coursing can take the form of organised events, which is often a competitive activity, in which substantial sums of money are bet.

Report any information to Dyfed-Powys Police:

- Phone: Call 101

- Text: Text the non-emergency number 07811 311 908 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.

- Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or by visiting the Crimestoppers website by clicking here.