TWO people, including a 17-year-old from Weston-super-Mare, have been arrested on suspicion of hare coursing.

Police at Gloucestershire Constabulary received reports from the public that a spate of hare coursing incidents had been seen on the Tetbury/Dursley border.

Police attended the area overnight on September 24 and arrested a 19-year-old man from Devon and a 17-year-old boy from Weston-Super-Mare on suspicion of hunting a wild mammal with dogs.

They have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

A police spokesperson said: “Hare coursing – an illegal activity where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares – is a serious problem in some rural areas.

“Not only does it involve cruelty to wild animals, but it is also associated with a range of other criminal activities, including theft, criminal damage, violence and intimidation.”

There are several ways that farmers can protect their land and livestock from poachers, including the installation of poacher blocks that can prevent access to fields and prevent damage to property and crops.