Farmers are being threatened by gangs that are hunting hares, leading to…

Well-supported — high-quality sources agree

What we can confirm

Multiple reports from UK and Irish media, farming unions, and crime surveys consistently describe farmers being intimidated and threatened by organized gangs involved in illegal hare coursing or hare hunting, with common associated damage including smashed or broken gates and crops driven through or destroyed on farmland.[1][4][5][6][8][9][11][13][15][17] These sources indicate that such gangs routinely trespass, confront and threaten farmers, and cause property and crop damage while pursuing hares with dogs and vehicles.[1][5][8][9][11][13][17]

Sources

Checked July 28, 2026