Mearns targeted as part of clampdown on hare coursing

A series of arrests have been made as part of a clampdown on rural crime, including hare coursing, following incidents in areas including the Mearns.

Police Scotland yesterday confirmed that four people have been charged following early morning raids in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, executed by officers from North East Divisional Alcohol & Violence Reduction Unit (DAVRU).

The targeted operation took place following recent incidents in Laurencekirk and other communities throughout the north east.

Police said four males, aged 17, 18, 39 and 43 have been variously charged with assault, vandalism and offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (hare coursing) and are due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court early next week.

Two vehicles have also been seized.

Constable Iain Fraser who led the operation said: “North east division has dedicated wildlife crime officers across the region who work extremely closely throughout the entire year with landowners and farmers and liaise with organisations such as the NFUS and Scottish Land and Estates.

“However with hare coursing predominantly a seasonal crime, occurring during the spring as crops emerge into fields, days of targeted action like this are crucial to reinforce our message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Hare coursing is a barbaric sport that has been banned for good reason. The animal suffers a horrendous death after it’s been chased around the field for several minutes, ending up exhausted and torn apart by a chasing dog.

“In addition intelligence has shown that the type of person who takes part in this type of activity is often linked to other types of criminality, mainly other wildlife crimes,” added PC Fraser.

“Behaviour of such a cruel nature is not acceptable and I would urge any members of the public who witness such a crime, or know that one has taken place, to contact police.

“If you are a farmer or a landowner and you would like to report any suspicious activity or people on your land contact us on 101.”