Farmers are experiencing significant property damage and crop destruction due to illegal hare coursing, with gangs forcing entry onto farmland and leaving behind a trail of vandalism. The issue has become so severe that some farmers are using heavy equipment like JCBs to block access to their fields.
Chris Edwards, a beef and sheep farmer from Colwinston, described the problem as "massive." He explained that the proximity of his land to major roads near Cardiff, Bridgend, and Swansea facilitates easy access for these groups. "It's got to the stage now that if we don't put a log like that in the gateway they force access," Edwards stated. He added that traditional security measures like chains and padlocks are quickly cut off, and vehicles have been used to ram gates off their hinges. Once access is gained, livestock can escape onto public roads, posing a danger.
The damage extends beyond gates and fences. During autumn planting seasons, the vehicles used by coursers leave deep ruts in the soil, damaging crops. Farmers have resorted to using concrete blocks and fallen trees to barricade field entrances in an attempt to prevent further incursions. Aerial photographs show tracks left across fields of wheat, illustrating the extent of the disruption.
Hare coursing, a practice where dogs are used to chase and catch hares, is illegal in the UK. It is often associated with organized crime and can involve large sums of money. The illegal activity not only causes physical damage to farms but also poses a threat to animal welfare and public safety.