Four charged over hare coursing

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Several people have been charged after a police crackdown on hare coursing in the north east of Scotland.

Police launched Operation Lepus in September in a bid to tackle the "cruel" crime, which happens on farms and estates.

As many as six people and several dogs - usually a greyhound-type - are normally involved.

Grampian Police said four people have now been charged after alleged incidents in Inverurie and near Elgin.

A 30-year-old man from Aberdeen has been charged with an offence under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002, which makes it illegal to hunt wild mammals with a dog, after the alleged Inverurie incident.

Three others were charged with similar offences after the Elgin allegations, and vehicles were also confiscated.

Offenders can face a custodial sentence of up to six months and or a fine of up to £5,000 Pc David MacKinnonGrampian Police

Reports are being sent to the area procurators fiscal.

Pc David MacKinnon, Grampian's wildlife crime officer, said: "These detected incidents have come about as a result of Grampian Police concentrating efforts to apprehend offenders.

"Hare coursing is illegal. This activity should be discouraged on farms and estates and we are trying to take positive action to combat the problem.

"Offenders can face a custodial sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of up to £5,000."

He said that since the launch of the operation about 18 incidents of hare coursing had been reported by members of the public.

Pc MacKinnon added: "The support of people living in rural locations is welcomed.

"Calls and information regarding coursing are vital if offenders are to be traced and charged and I am pleased with the positive response to date."

The operation is also running in the Tayside force area.