Two Men Charged for Illegal Hare Coursing in Wiltshire

Two men from Surrey have been charged in connection with illegal hare coursing and trespassing in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Police’s Rural Crime Team found Thomas Ball, 34, of Hersham, and Franky Smith, 31, of Normandy, hare coursing near Stanton St Bernard in the early hours of January 2.

At around 3:15 a.m., officers responded to reports of suspicious activity in fields near Pewsey. They located a vehicle parked in a field and observed the two men fleeing toward Alton Barnes White Horse. Subsequent searches by multiple units led to the men being found in possession of three lurcher dogs, used for pursuing hares.

Both Ball and Smith have been formally charged with being equipped for searching or pursuing hares with dogs, as well as trespassing with the intent to search for or pursue hares. They have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear before Swindon Magistrates Court on February 18.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police stated, “Officers acted promptly on reports of hare coursing in the area, locating the suspects and their dogs. This enforcement highlights our commitment to tackling rural crime in the region.”