Kent Police’s Rural Task Force has stepped up enforcement action against wildlife crime, seizing weapons and ammunition in targeted operations across the county.
Officers from the task force focused on disrupting activities related to hare coursing and poaching, which are illegal under most circumstances.
During the week beginning November 17, 2025, police conducted several successful vehicle stops in areas including Charing and the Isle of Sheppey which resulted in the seizure of an air rifle, catapults and ammunition. Enquiries into the individuals involved are currently ongoing.
A man aged 33 from Upchurch, Sittingbourne, and a 32-year-old man from Chatham, were given a restraining order against attending farms in Thanet and ordered to pay court costs at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 13 November after admitting offences relating to hare coursing. A man aged 48, of Fordwich, Canterbury, was found guilty of two offences relating to hare coursing and will be sentenced at Thanet Magistrates’ Court on 30 January 2026.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of the Rural Task Force, said:
‘Hare coursing and poaching has a big impact on rural communities and we are working with farmers and others to track down and stop wildlife crime. Anyone involved in this activity should know that they face the seizure of their equipment, possible arrest, fines and court action.’