Help end cruel hare coursing by reporting suspicious activity
East Perthshire residents have been asked to be alert to the possibility of illegal activity taking place in local fields.
Hare coursing has been prohibited since 2004 and is an offence under theWildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Police Scotland’s local area commander, Chief Inspector Graham Binnie, recently urged anyone who suspects the cruel act is taking place to contact police immediately.
He said:“It is committed by a small number of individuals, who travel far and wide to indulge in this illegal activity.”
Hare coursing 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 when hares are most likely to be spotted.
The chief inspector continued:“I am asking for our rural communities to be aware of the potential of hare coursing as they can assist us fighting it by looking out for the following activity – 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, tatty-looking vehicles.
“Hare coursers usually walk along the edge of harvested fields to frighten the hares into the open space for the dogs to chase.They will usually use lurchers, greyhounds and whippet dogs.
“If you see hare coursing taking place, or suspect it is happening contact police on 101.
“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.”