Crackdown targets hare coursing

Hares are more easily seen after crops have been cut

A crackdown on people involved in hare coursing is under way across Perth and Kinross and Angus.

Tayside Police re-launched Operation Lepus after drier weather allowed farmers to cut their crops, which means the hares can be easily seen.

Hare coursing was banned in Scotland six years ago, and offenders can face a £10,000 fine and six months in prison.

Police said the number of people detected had risen over the last three years and many arrests had been made.

Hare coursing - chasing hares with dogs as a competitive sport - has traditionally taken place between September and May when fields have been harvested to leave a flat surface.

The activity was banned in Scotland from 2002 under the Protection of Wild Mammals Act.

Tayside Police's wildlife and environmental crime officer Alan Stewart said action could be taken even if someone was just found searching for hares with dogs.

''They should be aware that we can take action even if a hare has not been caught, or even seen to be chased by dogs," he said.

"The very fact that they are out searching for hares to course is sufficient evidence to prosecute. They are likely to be arrested and can expect a court appearance."