An investigation has revealed that organised crime gangs are invading British farms and intimidating landowners to stage illegal hare coursing events, with mobs often dressed in military-style clothing and balaclavas forcing their way onto land. The gangs unleash lurchers or greyhounds on wild hares in an illicit bloodsport, and the involvement of organised crime marks an escalation of intimidation and violence in what was already an outlawed activity, raising concerns for rural communities and police resources.

Hare coursing, in which dogs score points for kills and for making prey twist and turn during a chase, has been banned in the UK since 2005, yet prizes on offer at illegal events can reportedly reach £50,000, including the so-called "Super 8 Cup". Police sources cited in the investigation say organised gangs are now driving the practice, with farmers facing threats and, in some cases, dumped animal carcasses left as intimidation.