Police to combat hare coursing

Hare coursing happens on farms and estates

A crackdown has been launched on "cruel" hare coursing in the north east of Scotland.

Grampian Police unveiled Operation Lepus - its first such initiative - to try to deal with the illegal practice, which happens on farms and estates.

Landowners, farmers, gamekeepers and others who live in the country are being encouraged to swiftly report incidents to help catch the culprits.

Grampian Police said: "We need to raise the awareness of this crime."

Hare coursers caught for this crime run the risk of a period of imprisonment Grampian Police

Hare coursing is most common from September until June, when the absence of crop growth allows the hares to be more easily found.

As many as six people and several dogs - usually a greyhound-type - are involved.

'Dogs forfeited'

The hare, when it is caught and killed by the dogs, is often left lying in the field.

Wildlife crime officer for Grampian Police, Pc David MacKinnon, said: "I am hoping that by running the operation in our area we can deter hare coursing and report offenders to the procurator fiscal.

"Hare coursers caught for this crime run the risk of a period of imprisonment and of having their dogs and vehicles forfeited by the court."

The offence of hare coursing comes under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002.

The courts can impose fines of up to £5,000, six months imprisonment or both.

The operation is also running in the Tayside force area.