Canterbury man charged over hare coursing

Hare coursing is the illegal poaching of hares for sport

A Kent man has been charged in connection with hare coursing.

Gavin Chapman, 47, of Well Lane, Canterbury, was arrested on Saturday morning near Birchington.

Kent Police received a report that a person with a dog was taking part in suspected poaching at Plum Pudding Island.

He was found with three dead hares and a powered telescope, according to the force.

He was charged with being equipped for searching or pursuing hares with dogs, and hunting a wild mammal with dogs.

He was released on bail to attend Folkestone Magistrates' Court on 13 February.

Hare coursing is a competitive blood sport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

It can take the form of organised events in which dogs are assessed on their hunting skills by the use of live hares.

It is illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004.