Hopes that hare courser’s jailing will warn others

Prosecutors and animal welfare group welcome offender’s 195-day term

Prosecutors and animal welfare experts say they hope jailing an Angus hare courser will send out a strong message to those who get involved in the pursuit.

Prolific offender James Mcphee was sent to prison for 195 days by Sheriff Gregor Murray at Forfar after admitting two charges of hunting hares on farmland near the town last year — his 11th and 12th convictions for the crime.

The sheriff had warned the 51-yearold car dealer he might lose his dog as well as his liberty, but the court heard the year-old lurcher-type pet, named Gip, had been given to a pal.

Mcphee, of Newport on Tay and formerly Arbroath, had also sold on a Subaru estate car he used to commit the crimes and which the sheriff had indicated might also be seized.

Laura Buchan, assistant procurator fiscal in specialist casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “This custodial sentence should send a message to anyone involved in hare coursing in Scotland.

“The Crown will continue to work with Police Scotland to ensure that anyone who is involved in the cruel and illegal practice of hunting hares with dogs is brought to justice.

“We would encourage anyone who may have information on hare coursing to contact the police.”

Mcphee’s solicitor said his client was a member of the Travelling fraternity and the hare coursing was done to “fill the pot”.

The crime often involves gambling on dogs in pursuit of brown hares and the sentencing sheriff said he was aware some animals changed hands for significant sums of money.

Lurchers, greyhounds or whippets are normally walked across fields on slip leads and released when any hares run off.

The predominantly seasonal crime generally takes place in the spring as crops emerge and then late summer and early autumn once they have been harvested. Mcphee’s offences took place in April and May.

An undercover Scottish SPCA inspector said, “We are pleased Mcphee has been sentenced.

“Hare coursing compromises the welfare of dogs and causes serious suffering to hares.

“We hope this case will disrupt potential offenders in future.”

James Mcphee was jailed after admitting two charges of hunting hares on farmland near Forfar.

Hare coursing is said to be cruel to both dogs and hares.