Hare Coursing

Hare Coursing in Stubton: Recent Incidents

2 November 2025: There is evidence of hare coursing on both Doddington Lane and Fenton Road.

Recent Activity: Hare coursing has been a problem in Stubton and the surrounding Lincolnshire area. In January 2025, Lincolnshire Police reported multiple incidents involving suspected hare and deer coursers. Up to 14 vehicles were seen in convoy, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to crops and driving dangerously. Reports included erratic driving, vehicles chasing deer, and drivers doing doughnuts in fields. Three people were arrested after one vehicle crashed into a drain. Police are actively seeking information and footage from the public to help identify those involved.

Definition: Hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with greyhounds or other sighthounds, which chase the hare by sight. Historically, it was a competitive activity in England, testing dogs on their ability to run, overtake, and turn a hare. It has been practiced for centuries, with formal rules dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I. However, hare coursing is now illegal in the UK due to concerns about animal cruelty. [en.wikipedia.org]

Heritage: Hare coursing was once a sport of national importance in Britain, with clubs and competitions drawing large crowds. The Waterloo Cup was the highlight of the coursing calendar, attracting tens of thousands of spectators. The sport flourished after the Game Act of 1831 allowed more people to participate. However, it has since been banned in the UK. [countrysid…liance.org]

Location: Stubton is a small village in Lincolnshire, known for its rural setting and agricultural land. The area’s open fields have historically made it a target for illegal hare coursing activities