AN ILLEGAL hare coursing event is rumoured to be taking place in the county today, police have warned.

Officers have received specific information about a possible hare coursing event planned to occur in Wiltshire today, October 19.

Hare coursing events of this nature are illegal and often linked to various other crime such as criminal damage, theft and intimidation.

According to the League Against Cruel Sports the 'sport', involves two fast dogs being set loose to chase a hare.

Traditionally, this could take place on a small scale but also as a large-scale, organised event, such as the famous Waterloo Cup event which attracted thousands of spectators who came to watch and place bets.

When the Hunting Act came into force in 2004 hare coursing was banned, along with hare hunting.

"There is nothing ‘natural’ about a hare being chased with a pack of dogs," details the League Against Cruel Sports website.

"Hares have evolved to sprint at high speeds for short periods to escape predators, they cannot match the stamina of hunting hounds who will continue the chase until the hare is exhausted and can run no more."

Force Specialist Operations Inspector Martyn Sweett said: “We want to make it clear that Wiltshire Police will not tolerate hare coursing in our county.

"We take all reports of hare coursing in Wiltshire seriously. As part of Operation Artemis, the Force's response to poaching, our rural crime team continuously works with our local farmers, gamekeepers and landowners to implement anti-poaching measures across the county.

"These include extensive anti-poaching ditching to prevent vehicle access, securing access to land and putting measures in place to make life difficult for any potential poachers.

"If you wish to report an incident of hare coursing in progress please call police on 999, quoting ‘Operation Artemis’."

If anyone has any information regarding a hare coursing event please contact police on 101 quoting ‘Operation Artemis’. Or you can report to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”