Illegal hare coursing men hunted

Police hope the public can help them stop the culprits

Illegal hare coursing in the Moray area is being investigated by police.

There have been several reports of hare coursing in the Roseisle, Spynie and Mosstowie areas to the west of Elgin.

Grampian Police said three men accompanied by dogs had been seen, and that they were also using a burgundy or maroon Vauxhall Astra car.

Hare coursing was banned by the Scottish Parliament four years ago. The Moray incidents have been happening at weekends on flat open farmland.

The men that have been seen have been using greyhound/lurcher type dogs.

Grampian Police Constable Janice Wink, the investigating officer, said: "Most instances of hare coursing occur at weekends.

"With lighter nights it may be that such offences may begin to occur during the week.

"I would urge anyone who has information about these incidents, or who sees anyone hare coursing, to contact police immediately."