PSNI probe reports of hare coursing in Co Antrim and shooting of Peregrine Falcon
The PSNI say they have received reports of hare coursing in Co Antrim.
Officers deployed to the Shillanavogy Road, which runs north-south for several miles along the eastern side of Slemish Mountain, to investigate.
The practice involves setting dogs such as greyhounds upon hare.
They said: "Ballymena Neighbourhood Policing Team attended the Shillanavogy Road today following reports of possible hare coursing in this area.
"Our team are fully committed to increasing the level of awareness in relation to poaching and hare coursing as serious wildlife crimes.
"If you have any information about illegal hare coursing, please call the police or as an alternative to contacting us directly, information can be passed onto Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.”
Police issued the statement on Saturday.
The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 Act defines hare coursing as “a competition in which dogs are, by the use of live hares, assessed as to skill in hunting hares”.
It is illegal to attend one, or permit your land to be used for this purpose, or to have hares with the intention of using them for such.
Anyone who lets their dog be used for hare coursing is also committing an offence. The act says that the penalty is a fine, with no limit set.
Police are also appealing for information after a bird of prey was found injured in the Ballymagorry area of Strabane on Friday evening, 9 January.
The bird, which is understood to be a Peregrine falcon, was located with a leg injury in the garden of a property in the Station Road area.
Police say the injury is consistent with a gunshot wound, and will require specialist treatment at a veterinary clinic. “The Police Service of Northern Ireland takes all wildlife crime very seriously – and we’re grateful to this member of the public for raising the alarm,” police said.
Police are appealing for information on the suspected shooting on 101, quoting reference number 1354 09/01/26. They are also asking for information on anyone intent on harming birds of prey.