FOUR men have been convicted of hare coursing offences in the Borders and Stirling.

Following an intelligence led operation, officers stopped a silver Subaru Forester near Kippen roundabout in Stirling on Monday, April 29, 2020.

Steven Brown, 31, fifty-three-year-old William McPhee, William McPhee, 31, and Alexander McAllister, 47, were arrested and charged with hare coursing offences.

The Subaru Forester and dogs were seized by police.

The four men were sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, February 6.

All four were found guilty which resulted in a driving ban, disqualification from owning dogs, community payback order and compensation order totalling 720 hours and £1,300.

Wildlife Crime Police Officer, PC Laura Robertson based at Dunblane Police Station said: “Hare-coursing is a barbaric “sport” which involves a range of offences including animal welfare, damage to property, road traffic offences, violent and threatening behaviour.

“I would encourage the public that if they suspect hare coursing is taking place to call 101 or 999 if an incident is ongoing.

"Also, if anyone has information regarding individuals whom they suspect of being involved in hare coursing, you can provide this anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."