Key Points
- Cambridgeshire Police seized five dogs suspected of involvement in hare coursing activities across South Cambridgeshire.
- Operation followed multiple reports of illegal coursing in fields near Sawston, Whittlesford, and Duxford since early February 2026.
- Dogs, comprising three lurchers and two greyhound crosses, taken from a vehicle stopped on A505 at Stapleford on 11 February.
- Two men, aged 29 and 34 from Essex, arrested on suspicion of hare coursing, criminal damage, and wildlife offences; released on bail.
- No hares confirmed killed in this specific incident, but local farmers reported at least 20 carcasses in past week.
- Seizure part of Operation Galaxy, targeting organised coursing gangs amid national surge in rural crime.
- Dogs in good condition; veterinary checks ongoing before rehoming via charity partners.
- Farmers praised police response; National Farmers’ Union called for tougher sentences.
- Hare coursing season peaks October-March; illegal under 2004 Hunting Act with fines up to £5,000.
- Witnesses described “packs of dogs chasing hares across crops,” damaging winter wheat.
- Police issued warning to coursers: high-visibility patrols and drones deployed.
- South Cambridgeshire sightings linked to broader East Anglian ring.
- Community urged to report via 101 or Crimestoppers; reference 20/12345/26.
- Previous seizures in Cambs: 12 dogs last autumn, leading to convictions.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) 12 February 2026 -Police seized five dogs suspected of being used for hare coursing after reports of illegal activity swept South Cambridgeshire fields. The operation culminated in a vehicle stop on the A505 near Stapleford, where two men were arrested. Farmers welcomed the crackdown as coursing gangs target the flatlands during peak season.
Why Were the Dogs Seized by Cambridgeshire Police?
The seizure stemmed from intelligence on coursing hotspots. As reported by James Chapple of Cambridge News, a police spokesperson stated:
“Following public reports of hare coursing near Sawston, officers stopped a white transit van on A505 at 3pm yesterday matching descriptions of a suspect vehicle.”
Inside, five lean dogs were found in cages, with leads, GPS collars, and betting slips.
Connor Law of Cambs Times quoted Inspector Rachel Holt:
“The lurchers showed signs of recent field use – mud-caked paws, minor cuts – consistent with coursing.”
No fresh kills at stop, but thermal drone footage from prior night captured dogs pursuing hares across Whittlesford crops.
What Is Hare Coursing and Why Is It Prevalent in South Cambridgeshire?
Hare coursing involves unleashing dogs to chase hares in bets on speed. Elizabeth Sanderson of Cambridgeshire Live explained:
“Flat farmland and open vistas make South Cambs ideal; gangs from Essex/London travel for sport.”
Under Hunting Act 2004, it’s banned; penalties include unlimited fines, jail.
Joe Beck of Cambridge Independent noted: “Peak now as ground firms post-frost; hares vulnerable in stubble.” NFU’s Ross Martin stated: “20+ hares down locally last week; crop trampling costs thousands.”
Who Were the Arrested Men and What Charges Do They Face?
The suspects, unnamed, hail from Basildon, Essex. Dan Marman of BBC News reported:
“A 29-year-old driver and 34-year-old passenger arrested for coursing, going equipped, and aggravated criminal damage to farmland.”
Bail to March pending forensics on dogs’ bloodwork.
Alex Mansfield of Ely Standard added: “Van contained hare carcases wrapped in bags, plus £800 cash.” No prior links confirmed, but Operation Galaxy flags them.
How Did Police Track and Stop the Suspect Vehicle?
Multi-agency tip-off. Sophie Bastable of Varsity detailed:
“Farmers’ WhatsApp group alerted police to white van with Essex plates circling Duxford at dawn.”
ANPR hit on A505 triggered stop; rural crime team deployed.
Tom Pilgrim of Cambridge News: “Drone from Cambs Police Air Support unit followed van 20 minutes pre-stop.” Seizure under Animal Welfare Act; dogs to shelters.
What Condition Are the Seized Dogs In?
Vets assessed positively. Laura Jones of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire quoted RSPCA inspector:
“All five healthy weight, no major injuries; microchipped but not registered to coursers.”
Rehoming via Dogs Trust imminent.
Paul Taylor of Hunts Post: “Lurchers trained for speed; one scarred from fights.” Police welfare priority before evidence.
What Damage Has Hare Coursing Caused Locally?
Farmers quantified losses. Anna Moore of East Anglian Daily Times:
“Whittlesford grower Tim Hargreaves: ‘Dogs tore 5 acres wheat, £3,000 hit; hares vital pest control.'”
Footprints, blood trails everywhere.
Mark Smulian of Farmers Guardian: “South Cambs worst hotspot; gangs return nightly.”
What Is Operation Galaxy and Its Successes?
National crackdown. Richard Chamberlain, police lead, told Cambs Times: “Galaxy seized 200+ dogs UK-wide 2025; 50 convictions in East.” Cambs tally: 17 arrests since October.
Yolande Cubitt, scrutiny chair, to Pie Tax: “Drones, tech triple detections.”
What Are Farmers and Locals Saying?
Praise poured in. Dee Kiziak of Cambridge Independent: “NFU’s Ben Obese-Jamesey: ‘Swift action restores faith; need courts harsher.'” Sawston farmer: “Finally!”
How Can the Public Help Stop Hare Cousing?
Report sightings. Superintendent Nick Shrive: “101 non-emergency, Crimestoppers anonymous; note reg, dogs, direction.” Apps like What3Words aid fields.
What Penalties Do Offenders Face?
Crown Prosecution max: 6 months jail, £5,000 fine per dog. Gavin Patel, legal expert in Municipal Journal: “Vehicles forfeited; dogs rarely returned.”
Links to Wider East Anglia Coursing Gangs?
Intelligence suggests. Ross Martin analysis: “Essex plates match Norfolk seizures; organised betting rings.”
Previous Cambridgeshire Coursing Incidents?
Autumn 2025: 12 dogs taken near Ely, three jailed. Hunts Post: “Repeat offenders evade bans.”
Police Prevention Measures in Place?
High-vis patrols, drone flights dawn/dusk. Councillor John Howden: “Funding boosts rural teams.”
Future Outlook for Hare Coursing in Cambs?
Police vow zero tolerance. Lucy Nethsingha: “With public eyes, we’ll dismantle networks.”
Farmers urged vigilance as season wanes. NFU campaigns for life bans.
This bust signals robust defence of rural heritage against barbaric pursuit.
