JOHN GREEDY AND DOUIGIE WHITBREAD CAUGHT HARE COURTING IN CARDIFF AND TEWKESBURY
In a serious crackdown on illegal wildlife activities, two men from Cardiff, John Greedy and Dougie Whitbread, were apprehended for engaging in hare coursing in Gloucestershire.The incident unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, November 26, 2020, on an estate near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, after a vigilant local game keeper observed suspicious activity involving the two men.
According to reports, the game keeper noticed Greedy and Whitbread walking across a private field with two dogs, seemingly involved in hunting wildlife.
The game keeper's concerns prompted a call to the police, who responded swiftly to the scene.
When officers arrived, they located a vehicle that appeared to belong to the suspects parked along a nearby country lane.
The police kept the pair under surveillance as they continued their activities.
During the observation, officers saw Greedy using binoculars to scan the area, while Whitbread was employing a thermal imaging camera, likely to locate hares in the dark or dense vegetation.
The officers intervened before any hares could be harmed, approaching the men as they returned to their vehicle.
During the search, the police seized various items associated with illegal hunting, including the thermal imaging camera and binoculars, under section 9 of the Hunting Act 2004.
PC Phil Mawdsley, a representative of the Rural Crime and Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing teams, emphasized the importance of this operation, stating, “Hare coursing is a UK Wildlife Crime priority and this is one of the many successful prosecutions that we’ve had in Gloucestershire.
Hare coursing is not welcome in our county and bringing offenders to justice is a priority for the Rural Crime Team.” As a result of their actions, Greedy and Whitbread were each fined £541.50.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of their thermal imaging equipment and binoculars, reinforcing the authorities’ commitment to combating wildlife crime.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal hare coursing and protect local wildlife populations.
In a related development, John Gredy, now residing at Broad Street Common, Peterstone Wentlooge, Cardiff, faced further legal action in February 2023.
He was convicted of animal cruelty after a terrier with facial injuries, consistent with fighting or baiting, was found in his care.
The incident occurred on March 26, 2022, when officers from the Hungerford and Downlands neighbourhood team responded to reports of badger baiting at an address in North Heath, Chieveley, Berkshire.
During the investigation, a member of the public handed over a small terrier dog with fresh and old facial injuries.
The dog was taken to a nearby veterinary clinic for treatment, and Greedy, who admitted ownership of the dog, was subsequently arrested.
He was charged via postal requisition on June 13, 2022.
PC Sean Morris, leading the investigation, stated, “A thorough investigation has led to John Greedy’s conviction as well as a fine and costs totaling more than £1,000 and the safe rehoming of a beautiful terrier looking for a fresh start.” Greedy was ordered to pay a fine and cover the associated costs, and a deprivation order was issued for the terrier, which was removed from his care.
The Thames Valley Police underscored their commitment to tackling rural crime and animal cruelty, emphasizing that such cases are taken very seriously and that efforts continue to prevent illegal activities like badger baiting and animal fighting in the region.
