Essex Police impose disperal order on whole of Uttlesford district in bid to deter planned hare coursing competition

Police have imposed a dispersal order on the whole of Uttlesford for the second successive weekend.

The move follows information relating to planned illegal hare coursing in the north-west Essex district. The order is in place from 6am on Saturday to 8pm on Sunday (March 11-12).

Insp Terry Jacobs, from Essex Police's rural engagement team, said: “We have reason to believe people are intending to attend to illegally course hares as part of a regional competition.

“These events have previously evolved into widespread disorder and we know hare coursing is often linked to violence and threats to anyone who tries to obstruct them.

"The order gives officers the power to direct anyone suspected of taking part in this activity to leave the area.”

The dispersal order excludes the Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow town areas and Stansted Airport grounds.

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

It is illegal in the UK, where it is viewed as a cruel bloodsport, but in other countries, including Ireland, it is a regulated and judged competitive sport in which dogs are tested on their ability to run, overtake and turn a hare, rather than a form of hunting aimed at the capture of game.

The sport grew in popularity in Europe during the 19th century, but has since experienced a decline due to the introduction of greyhound racing with betting and animal welfare legislation.