Concern as hunters spotted in Shire
Alert on hare coursing
Illegal hunters have been spotted in east Perthshire, and police are appealing for information.
Deer poachers, illegal fishers and hare coursers have all been reported to police this month.
At a b o u t 2 . 3 0 p m o n Monday, October 16, a b l u e S u b a r u Fo r re s t e r motor vehicle was between Hi l l f o o t Ho l d i n g Fa r m a n d S ou t h Ga s k Fa r m, travelling in the direction of Blairgowrie. It was suspected the vehicle occupants were in the area to carry out hare coursing.
Less than a week later, gill fishing nets were discovered at Loch Clunie at Blairgowrie.
Gill nets are illegal in Scotland and are extremely damaging to fish stocks, and were found by the shore of the l och on Monday, October 23.
Blairgowrie and the Glens councillors have united to condemn this behaviour.
Conservative Councillor Caroline Shiers said: “The reports of illegal and cr uel activities such as hare coursing are really concerning.
“I would ask the public to be vigilant and report any i nformation or suspicions to the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”
SNP elected member Tom McEwan said: “Rural crimes such as these have a negative effect on our countryside, impact biodiversity and the tourist economy based on wildlife watching and general enjoyment of our great rural spaces.
“It also diverts an already stretched police resource from policing our communities effectively.”
Councillor Bob Brawn also added: “I ver y much support the police action against illegal hunting and hare coursing both of which have no place in today’s countryside, particularly the latter which involves unnecessar y cr uelty to wild animals.”
Clamping down on hare coursing is a UK wildlife crime priority.
The practice is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 but tends to increase at this time of year after harvest when large areas of land have been cleared of crops, and usually occurs at dawn or dusk.
Chief Inspector Ian Scott, Police Scotland’s local area commander for Perth and Kinross, said: “I am asking for our rural communities to be aware of the potential of hare coursing.
“Look out for vehicles parked in rural areas at gateways to farmland, on farm tracks or bridleways. Vehicles are usually estate cars, four wheel drive vehicles or small vans. They are often old, tattylooking vehicles.
“Hare coursers usually walk along the edge of harvested fields to frighten the hares into the open space for the dogs to chase.
“If you see hare coursing taking place, or suspect it is happening contact police immediately. If you can, take a note of the vehicles and registration numbers, also how many people are present and a description of them.
“If the opportunity arises, then continue to monitor any persons from a safe distance rather than challenging them of your own accord.”
Anyone with any information should contact police on the non-emergency number, 101, or speak to any police officer.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.