Pair fined for hare coursing near Lower Bisterne Farm Estate in Ringwood

BLOOD sports will not be tolerated – this was the message from police after two men were fined for hare coursing in Ringwood.

It follows an incident in which a dog walker saw two men flushing a hare and then releasing a dog to chase it on land near Lower Bisterne Farm Estate in Ringwood shortly before 7pm on Sunday 13th September last year.

Estate associates blocked in the pair’s vehicle to stop them driving off, but they later fled on foot.

Police arrested two Poole men a short time later and they were reported for summons on suspicion of poaching offences, namely trespassing in pursuit of game.

Stephen Cooper (29), of Rockley Road, and Shane Manyweathers (29), of Frobisher Avenue, both appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday).

They were convicted of poaching offences and each fined £1,050.

PC Matthew Thelwell, of Hampshire Constabulary’s CountryWatch team, said: “We will always support our local rural communities by prosecuting those who wish to conduct or be involved in blood sports such as hare coursing, where evidence allows.

"Damage to farmland and property is never acceptable and will not be tolerated. We will always seek to explore relevant lines of enquiry in order to identify and bring those responsible to justice.”