The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Landowner ‘threatened’ by illegal hare coursers
A landowner has claimed illegal hare coursers have threatened to “burn down” his farm.
There have been numerous reports of poachers operating in rural Angus recently.
One farmer, who did not wish to be named, claimed the problem has increased over the last five years.
Last October, he had to treat 15 sheep with antibiotics after their ears were ripped apart by lurchers.
He said: “We have had sheep which have had their ears ripped off by dogs.
“They have been on our land a few times – when we approached them they threatened to burn the farm down.
“We have to take these threats seriously.
“If their dogs get in among the sheep they start ripping shreds out of them.”
He claimed those involved had no respect for livestock or property, driving through the middle of crops causing damage.
The farmer last night called for more to be done to catch the culprits.
He added: “The police should be doing more to help us – this is an illegal activity. Those involved are confident, threatening and aggressive.
“They operate in broad daylight and come back at night using a spotlight.”
His claims come just days after the Scottish SPCA revealed Millden Estate in Glen Esk is at the centre of a major investigation into animal fighting.
Dogs were seized in a raid on the estate and another property in Aberdeenshire.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We will assist Police Scotland wherever we can.”
Sergeant Victoria Crichton said: “Police in Angus are aware and responding to the ongoing issue of hare coursing in the area.
“We would encourage landowners and members of the public to contact us to report any ongoing incidents or to report as soon as possible.”