A HUNTSMAN has been fined more than £1,500 after a pack of Basset Hounds was seen chasing a hare through North Dorset countryside.

The case, believed to be the first successful Dorset Police prosecution involving a huntsman leading a pack of Basset Hounds in a hare hunting offence, followed an investigation by the force’s Rural Crime Team.

The incident happened near Sturminster Newton on October 13, 2024, when witnesses reported seeing a pack of hounds pursuing a hare across fields.

Investigators found evidence showing the dogs chasing the animal while the huntsman, who was in charge of the pack, made no attempt to stop them or call them away.

Although there was no evidence that the hare was caught or killed, police concluded that an offence under the Hunting Act 2004 had been committed.

A 20-year-old man from Somerset appeared before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on June 18, where he was found guilty of hunting a wild mammal with dogs.

He was fined £648 and ordered to pay a £259 victim surcharge and £650 in court costs.

PC Lauren Middleton, from Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said officers were committed to investigating reports of illegal hunting and bringing offenders before the courts.

She added: “We are committed to investigating all reports relating to hunting offences and using available legislation to bring those responsible for committing offences before the courts.

“We have worked hard to compile evidence and this case was the first time that our force has secured a prosecution for a huntsman leading a pack of Basset Hounds for offences involving hunting a hare.”

The conviction follows ongoing efforts by Dorset Police to tackle rural crime and enforce legislation designed to protect wildlife.