A NUMBER of dead animals were dumped on a Longstock road, sparking a police investigation. 

Over 40 animals, including pheasants, partridges, rabbits and hares, had been left in Longstock Road and were discovered on Sunday, November 26. 

The remains of the animals were dumped in the middle of the road, where they were later found and the incident was reported to the police.

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A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are investigating a report of a number of dead animals being found on Longstock Road yesterday morning (Sunday, November 26).

"Officers are conducting enquiries and anyone who saw anything suspicious can report this online on our website or by calling 101 and quoting the reference 44230483556."

Locally the incident is believed to be connected to hare coursing. Hare coursing sets two running dogs onto a brown hare.

The dogs compete and are judged by how closely they can follow the twists and turns of the hare as it tries to escape, and if they ultimately catch and kill it. The dogs are competing and gambling is often involved.