By Mark Mackay

HARE COURSING, one of the most serious of wildlife crimes, is the subject of a summer crackdown by Tayside Police.

Operation Lepus has been re-launched as conditions become conducive to the barbaric, illegal practice.

Drier weather in recent days has allowed farmers to cut their crops, and hares can be easily seen across many fields in Perth and Kinross and Angus.

This makes ideal conditions for hare coursing, an activity that was banned in Scotland in 2002.

Operation Lepus has proved hugely successful in the past, with the first full year of the operation leading to previously unheard-of detection rates.

Nonetheless, it continues to be a problem in Perthshire and Angus.

Groups travel from all over the country to the area’s farmland to send their greyhound and lurcher-type dogs hunting for a kill.

Bets are taken, and any hares caught are torn apart before those responsible disappear, with the whole practice often lasting no more than 10 minutes.

Police wildlife and environmental crime officer Alan Stewart said, “Our message to those who are determined to ignore the law and chase hares with dogs is that police officers will use all powers at their disposal to tackle this illegal practice.

“They should be aware that we can take action even if a hare has not been caught, or even seen to be chased by dogs.

“The very fact that they are out searching for hares to course is sufficient evidence to prosecute.

“They are likely to be arrested and can expect a court appearance,” he said.

“The police receive excellent support from farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and other country residents.”

He said they report incidents in the knowledge that the force will act, even if those who are responsible have disappeared by the time police arrive.

“There have been several convictions in past years, and this offers reassurance to landowners or tenants of the land where the incidents have happened that positive action is taken by the police, by procurators fiscal and by the courts,” he said.

As of earlier this year, anyone who is detected hare coursing can face a fine of £10,000 (previously £5000) and six months’ imprisonment.

Mr Stewart added, “I would encourage anyone who sees hare coursing taking place, or is suspicious about the behaviour of people with greyhound-type dogs (whether on foot or in cars) in quiet rural areas, to phone the police immediately.”

Anyone who has information about people they suspect to be involved in hare coursing or poaching can call Alan Stewart on 01738 892650.

Alternatively, they can provide details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.