Police probe hare coursing incidents

Hare coursing incidents have recently been reported in St Andrews

Around 8pm on August 13, n a field between Kippo Plantation and Quarter Kippo, two men were seen with two dogs chasing down hares.

They were also believed to be in the company of a younger child and were travelling in a yellow Transit Van.

Then around 8pm on August 16, three men with dogs were seen acting suspiciously in the Anstruther area before leaving in a yellow Transit Van.

PC Lindsay Kerr, Fife’s Wildlife Officer, said: “Hare coursing is a barbaric death for an animal and the suggestion that this may have been taking place in the presence of a child is very concerning.

“This type of crime can have a significant impact on the local community, with perpetrators also damaging the land and worrying livestock.

“Anyone with information is urged to get in touch and I’d encourage rural residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.