THREE MEN HAVE been charged in connection with hare-coursing in the Elgin area, making their initial appearance at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday (Monday).
The charges follow concerns reported to officers over an incident at Wester Calcots last Friday (June 16).
Arrests were subsequently made under ‘Operation Black Fall’, a north-east division initiative to tackle wildlife crime. The three men are aged 16, 20 and 35 and are from the Lhanbryde and Spean Bridge areas.
As a result of the investigation a silver Vauxhall Astra has also been seized.
PC Brian Donaldson of the Divisional Alcohol Violence Reduction Unit (DAVRU), who led the inquiry, said: “Thank you to the members of the public who provided information in connection with this particular investigation.
“I would urge any members of the public who have concerns about hare-coursing, or any related criminal behaviour, to please contact Police.
“We have the power to arrest and charge offenders and seize vehicles and dogs involved in illegal hare-coursing and would ask for support and information from local communities to help us utilise these powers.
“Hare-coursing causes significant suffering to animals in the guise of sport and behaviour of such a cruel nature will not be tolerated. We will fully investigate all reports received.”