Two charged after hares illegally hunted with dogs

Two people have been charged with rural crime offences following reports of hare coursing.

Michael Bowers, 26, of Botley Road, Southampton, along with a 15-year-old boy from Patchway, near Bristol, were each charged with hunting a mammal using dogs.

They also face charges of being equipped to trespass "with the intention of using a dog to search for or pursue a hare" in connection with the incident off the A342 in Wiltshire on 1 August 2024.

Both are due to appear at Salisbury Magistrates Court on 7 February.

Hare coursing is a competitive blood sport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

It can take the form of organised events in which dogs are assessed on their hunting skills by the use of live hares.

It is illegal in the UK under section one of the Hunting Act 2004.

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