Farmers in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, are reporting a surge in hare coursing, with gangs illegally hunting hares using dogs, smashing farm gates and damaging crops. Farmers such as Chris Edwards have resorted to blocking field entrances with tree trunks and concrete blocks, while neighbours who have intervened have faced verbal and physical threats. South Wales Police has confirmed the rise and says it is taking action, though farming union NFU Cymru is calling for a stronger police presence to catch offenders in the act.

Hare coursing, banned under the Hunting Act 2004, involves dogs chasing hares and is judged on how closely they follow the animal's movements, with reports linking it to online gambling and organised crime. Several English forces, including West Mercia and Warwickshire, have also reported spikes, while Welsh police have launched Operation Galileo Cymru to coordinate intelligence-sharing on hare coursing and related rural crime. NFU Cymru's James Tudor noted South Wales Police is the only force in Wales without designated rural crime officers, adding further strain to an already difficult time for farmers.