Three men arrested on suspicion of hare coursing

News imagePA Media A white and brown hound leaps across a grassy field in pursuit of a brown hare. The pair are captured mid-chase, with both animals in motion.PA Media
Hare coursing is the illegal pursuit of hares using dogs

Three men have been arrested following reports of hare coursing in west Lancashire.

Officers from the Rural Taskforce seized dogs, a car and equipment after being called to Halsall, near Ormskirk, on Saturday.

The force said hare coursing - the illegal pursuit of hares using dogs, often on farmland without the owner's permission - can leave farmers and rural communities facing intimidation, and cause property damage and harm to wildlife.

A police spokesman said the men "will be required to answer for their actions before the courts", and warned "for those wishing to come into our area poaching this will be your reality".

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