Leicestershire and Rutland Police have shared a serious warning on social media to anyone planning on coming to rural areas under their care to participate in the illegal activity.

Hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with greyhounds and other sighthounds, which chase the hare by sight, not by scent. Hares are killed by the dogs.

The activity is illegal and is a serious, seasonal problem affecting rural communities across the force area.

As such, local teams have shared a warning on social media with the aim of deterring criminals who partake in the illegal activity.

Hare coursing is illegal. Image credit: Nub News.

They said: "The following is a message to anyone involved in hare coursing in the Leicestershire Police area.

"Fields are not public spaces. They are not areas that you can drive all over in pursuit of hares.

"The Hunting Act 2004 made it illegal to pursue wild mammals with dogs.

"If we have hard evidence of offending, we will pursue those involved in any wildlife crime.

"Anyone found guilty of an offence can face an unlimited fine and upto 6 months in prison. Dogs, vehicles, mobile phones and any other 'thing' can be seized under the legislation.

"Kennelling costs can be recouped from the offenders on conviction.

"Local WhatsApp groups mean that the community are rapidly sharing information about those who decide to course on any land. Make and models of vehicles, images and videos of those involved are being passed to police. Some people even have their own drones and footage that can be used as evidence if we need it.

"Quite simply, do not come into Leicestershire, Rutland or any other county and involve yourself in hare coursing.

""In particular - don't have the audacity to claim you're merely waking your dogs, and don't make out it's our fault when your dogs and vehicles are seized and you find yourself in an interview."

Hare coursing negatively impacts rural areas and is illegal. Image credit: Nub News.

If you have any information about hare coursing taking place locally, you can contact the team on 101 or report crimes online.

Remember, if you see hare coursing or any other serious crimes in progress, always call 999.