Almost half of Scotland’s recorded incidents of hunting with dogs in 2013-14 happened in Tayside, new crime statistics have revealed.
Government data has shown wildlife crime hit a five-year low last year, but between them Tayside and Aberdeenshire/Moray accounted for 25 of the 29 recorded incidents of hunting with dogs, including hare coursing.
With 13 of those occurring in Tayside, campaigners have condemned the “abhorrent” offence, and urged the public to play their part in reporting any type of wildlife crime.
The 2013-14 total of 255 recorded wildlife crimes represents a 20% drop from the previous year, and while fish poaching remains the most commonly recorded offence, it dipped from 135 in 2012-13 to 90 in 2013-14.
The report also shows that since 2010-11, the numbers of confirmed pesticide poisoning abuse incidents have more than halved from 34 per year, to 13 in 2013-14.
From a total of 125 cases reported to the Crown Office, 80 cases were prosecuted and there were 60 convictions.
More than two-thirds of convictions were dealt with by a monetary penalty and since 2009-10 the average fine across the range of offences was £420.
Minister for environment, climate change and land reform, Dr Aileen McLeod said: “Obviously recent successes in our fight against wildlife crime are not covered in this report, including the first custodial sentence for killing a bird of prey and the first use of vicarious liability provisions.
“However, serious incidents reported so far in 2015 show that we must not be complacent in our efforts to prevent wildlife crime.
“Working alongside police, prosecutors and other members of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland, we will continue to increase the pressure on those who persist in breaking the law, until these out-dated practices are consigned to the past where they belong.”
Jennifer Dunn from League Against Cruel Sports Scotland said: “Although the figures relating to hare coursing in Tayside are relatively high, it is encouraging that they are being reported and the police are investigating these incidents.”