PETER LOVERIDGE, DANNY BRIDGES, AND TONY TAYLOR CAUGHT HARE COURTING IN STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN

In a recent crackdown on illegal hare coursing activities, three men from the Stourport-on-Severn area have been found guilty and faced significant penalties. The individuals involved are Peter Loveridge, born around the year 2000, and Danny Bridges, born on March 18, 2002, both residents of the Lower Heath Caravan Park located on Watery Lane, Stourport DY13 9PR. Alongside them was Tony Taylor, born circa 2002, who resides at Severnside Caravan Park on Sandy Lane, Titton, Stourport DY13 9PY.

These three men were apprehended for their involvement in hare coursing, a practice that is illegal and increasingly targeted by law enforcement agencies across the region. The incident took place in the Brinklow area of Rugby, Warwickshire, where they pleaded guilty to charges related to this unlawful activity. As a result, they were ordered to pay fines exceeding £2,000 and received bans on owning dogs for a period of five years.

The Warwickshire Rural Crime Team, which played a key role in the investigation, issued a statement highlighting the significance of this case. A spokesperson explained, “The males are the first to be charged in Warwickshire under new laws to tackle illegal hare-coursing. The Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 makes it an offence to go equipped for, search for, or pursue hares with dogs, and an offence to trespass with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs.”

During the arrest, authorities confiscated equipment used in the commission of the offence, including three lurcher dogs owned by the accused men. These dogs have been seized and will be rehomed in due course, as part of the ongoing efforts to prevent further illegal activities.

Regarding their sentences, each of the men received specific penalties. Peter Loveridge was handed a five-year disqualification order from owning and keeping dogs, along with a fine of £120. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £2,085 in compensation to cover kennel fees and a victim surcharge of £48. Similarly, Danny Bridges received the same disqualification and fine, along with identical compensation and surcharge amounts. Tony Taylor faced a slightly higher fine of £275, but also received a five-year ban on dog ownership, with the same compensation of £2,085 and a victim surcharge of £110.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal hare coursing, a practice that poses serious threats to wildlife and community safety. The authorities continue to emphasize their commitment to enforcing the new legislation and ensuring that those involved in such activities are held accountable.