The Buried: Dead Rabbit podcast takes listeners into the dark world of illegal bloodsports, where hare coursing and organized crime terrorize rural communities. In 2024, a Hampshire village woke to find a mound of dead animals—including rabbits, hares, and a severed deer head—dumped outside a school, blood oozing onto the streets before children arrived. Investigative journalists Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor, the award-winning team behind the BBC series Buried, launched this 10-part podcast to uncover the truth.
What Is Hare Coursing and Why Is It Illegal?
Hare coursing involves dogs chasing and killing hares for sport, banned in the UK since 2005 under the Hunting Act. Despite the ban, illegal networks persist, often linked to organized crime. The podcast reveals how perpetrators use intimidation tactics—like dumping mutilated animals—to silence witnesses and communities.
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The Scale of the Threat
Ashby and Taylor uncover dozens of incidents: lambs strung up with throats cut, 50 dead animals left at a farm shop with blood smeared on windows, and threats of satanic activity. The connecting factor? These are warnings from illegal hare hunters. Wildlife presenter Chris Packham, a long-time activist, joins the investigation. He has faced repeated attacks, including dead animals and human excrement left at his home. “I knew it was taking place but I wasn’t aware of the scale,” Packham says.
| Incident Type | Frequency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dead animal dumps | 20+ carcasses per event | Hampshire, UK |
| Mutilated livestock | Multiple reports | Rural farms |
| Intimidation tactics | Ongoing | Villages nationwide |
Key Takeaways from Buried: Dead Rabbit
- Illegal bloodsports like hare coursing remain widespread despite the ban.
- Organized crime networks use violence and intimidation to operate.
- Activists like Chris Packham face personal risks for speaking out.
- The podcast highlights the need for stronger enforcement and community awareness.
FAQ
What is hare coursing?
Hare coursing is a bloodsport where dogs chase and kill hares. It has been illegal in the UK since 2005, but underground networks persist.
Why is Buried: Dead Rabbit important?
The podcast exposes the link between illegal bloodsports and organized crime, showing how intimidation threatens rural communities.
Who is Chris Packham's role in the investigation?
Chris Packham, a wildlife presenter and activist, collaborates with the journalists to highlight the scale of the problem and the dangers activists face.
The podcast premiered at Sheffield DocFest, drawing attention to a hidden crisis. For those seeking to understand the shadowy world of illegal bloodsports, Buried: Dead Rabbit offers a gripping, eye-opening listen. Listen now to learn more about the fight against hare coursing and organized crime.
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