The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the bodies of seven hares were found on or close to a roadside verge outside Immacolta House Care Home near the A378 just west of Langport in Somerset. It is thought that the hares were dumped sometime overnight on Thursday September 5th and Friday September 6th. At least one hare is believed to have injuries consistent with with being killed by a dog during coursing.

It is thought that the animals could be victims of coursing. This activity, which is illegal, involves setting lurcher type dogs to chase and kill hares. It often takes place in recently cropped fields sometimes with the coursers driving into and across them in vehicles. The dead hares are not usually removed as they are hunted and killed for ‘fun’ and not for food. There is often betting involved.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Alison Sparkes is appealing for information and can be contacted by telephoning 0300 123 8018 .

A full report can be found here.

Hare coursing was banned under the Hunting Act 2004.

All photographs copyright RSPCA.

For more information on the Hunting Act visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/hunting.