| Now that much of the grain has been harvested and fields are bare, brown hares are much more easily spotted. Unfortunately for the hares, the open fields make it easy for them to be coursed by greyhounds and lurchers.
The coursing of wild mammals was banned under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002, but there are some people who pay little heed, leaving themselves open to a six-month jail term.
To deal with this illegal activity, Tayside Police have, under Operation Lepus, carried out proactive measures that have seen a much higher percentage of criminals being caught and convicted.
Fines have ranged from £150 to £400 and other sentences have included community service orders and driving bans. Anyone who suspects people are coursing hares should contact police on 01307 302200 or 01738 621141. |
