Suspected hare courser arrested in Faversham

A suspected poacher was arrested and equipment seized following quick work by officers in Faversham.

On Tuesday 8 September, Kent Police received a report that poaching was taking place in Faversham.

Officers from the Rural Task Force were on patrol in the area and identified a vehicle they suspected as being used in hare coursing in Stalisfield Road. 

Arrest

The driver failed to stop when requested to do so and the car was brought to a halt on the A2 with a stinger, following a short pursuit. A catapult and torch were subsequently found inside the car.

An 18 year old man from Tonbridge was arrested and later bailed while enquiries continue.

Police Sergeant Ross Haybourne said:

'This incident highlights the effectiveness of the Rural Task Force's proactive patrols, which we have increased at a time when hare coursing and poaching becomes more prevalent. 'As fields are harvested, opportunist poachers take advantage of the open flat space to spot and harm animals. Not only does this activity cause undue harm, distress and a painful death to wildlife, it can also disrupt farmers' lives and damage property including fencing and sown seeds. 'We as a force are dedicated to rooting out such offenders, and we urge anyone seeing anything suspicious to report it to us as soon as possible so we can act quickly.'