HARE COURSING GANG FROM COUNTY DURHAM AND STOKE-ON-TRENT LED BY THOMAS TYERS, PETER RODDAM AND ANTHONY BASFORD BANNED FROM LINCOLNSHIRE

In a significant crackdown on illegal hunting activities, three men associated with the travelling community—Thomas Tyers from County Durham, Peter Roddam from Durham, and Anthony Basford from Stoke-on-Trent—have been convicted of engaging in hare coursing, a cruel and illegal practice involving the use of dogs to hunt wild mammals.

Thomas Tyers, born on July 12, 1990, residing at Pennine Way, Chilton, Ferryhill DL17 0QE, along with Peter Roddam, born in January 1976 and living at 50 Salvin Street, Croxdale, Durham DH6 5HZ, and Anthony Paul Basford, born in July 1984 and based at Corneville Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9EW, were all found guilty of hunting a wild mammal with dogs. The trio’s involvement in this illegal activity was uncovered through proactive efforts by Lincolnshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team, which has been actively working to combat rural crime and animal cruelty.

Their arrest followed an incident on November 30, 2023, when farm workers in Sea Lane, Wainfleet St Mary, observed suspicious activity involving the three men and their dogs. The workers promptly contacted law enforcement authorities, leading to the swift apprehension of the suspects. Subsequent investigations confirmed their participation in hare coursing, a practice that is not only illegal but also associated with significant animal suffering and environmental damage.

All three men were subsequently charged with hunting a wild mammal with dogs. Their court appearance took place at Boston Magistrates’ Court on June 26, 2023, where they faced the consequences of their actions. The court handed down lengthy Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) to each of them, reflecting the seriousness of their offenses.

Under these orders, Tyers, Roddam, and Basford are prohibited from entering Lincolnshire during the hare coursing season, which runs from July 31 to April 30. They are specifically barred from accessing any private land within the county while in possession of sighthounds, greyhounds, long dogs, or lurcher-type dogs, which are commonly used in hare coursing. Furthermore, they are not allowed to accompany anyone who possesses such breeds of dogs. Violating these restrictions could result in a custodial sentence of up to five years, underscoring the severity with which the authorities are treating this illegal activity.

In addition to the criminal behavior orders, Roddam was ordered to pay fines totaling £533, which covered fines, surcharges, and court costs. Tyers and Basford faced additional penalties, including kennel fees of £3,685.50 each, along with fines, surcharges, and costs amounting to £1,391. All dogs seized during the incident are set to be re-homed, ensuring they are no longer used in illegal activities and are cared for properly.

Lincolnshire Police continue to lead efforts against rural crime, emphasizing their commitment to protecting wildlife and enforcing the law. The case highlights the ongoing battle against hare coursing and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities to prevent such cruelty from continuing.