Three people have been sentenced for hare coursing, after seven dead hares were found inside a vehicle near Chippenham.
Just before midnight on October 15, witnesses reported spotting a 4x4 entering a field near Sevington with three men reported to be inside, as well as three dogs and lamps.
Police attended the scene, and located a Mercedes with three males, seven dead hares, and three lurcher dogs in cages inside.
The males were arrested and later charged.
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Henry Janes, 18, Jamie Janes, 24, and a 14-year-old who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on February 9.
They pleaded guilty to trespassing with intent to search for or to pursue hares with dogs.
Jamie Janes, of New Road, Rumney, Cardiff, was issued with an exclusion requirement not to enter Wiltshire, except for passing through on the M4 or authorised diversions, for a 12-month period.
He was also fined £300, ordered to pay £500 compensation, a £120 surcharge and £85 CPS costs.
Henry Janes, of Cherry Hinton, Avondale Road, Pontypool, was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £26 surcharge.
The 14-year-old was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £20 surcharge.
PC Adam Nash said: “Thanks to the vigilance of local residents, we were able to identify the offenders quickly and prevent further offending taking place.
“I am pleased they’ve been put before the courts for their actions. Hare coursing is a cruel and illegal act and we are committed to pursuing offenders, protecting rural communities and ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law.”
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