A man has been charged in connection with a hare coursing incident in Birchington, Thanet, and is set to appear in court next month.
Kent Police responded to a report of suspected poaching activity involving a person and a dog at Plum Pudding Island at around 11 a.m. on Saturday, 18 January 2025.
Investigation and Arrest
Officers arrived at the scene and located a person in a vehicle parked along a single-track lane. Following their investigation, police recovered three deceased hares and a powered telescope, leading to an arrest.
Gavin Chapman, 47, of Well Lane, Canterbury, has been charged with:
- Being equipped for searching or pursuing hares with dogs.
- Hunting a wild mammal with dogs.
Court Appearance
Chapman has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 13 February 2025.
Appeal for Awareness
Hare coursing, a banned activity under the Hunting Act 2004, is considered a serious wildlife crime that causes unnecessary suffering to animals. Police continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity related to poaching or wildlife crimes.
Anyone with information about hare coursing or similar activities in their area is urged to contact Kent Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
