VIOLENT criminals’ blood lust for a cruel animal sport could be drawing them to Banffshire, it has been claimed.
A police wildlife crime officer has warned that illegal hare coursing in the area could also see a rise in drug use and thefts.
His fears follow a reported sighting of hare coursing on the outskirts of Whitehills.
PC Gavin Lindsay said the summer months and the rural nature of Banffshire were perfect for the illegal activity, which increased the likelihood of other crimes.
Hare coursing, a form of poaching, sees one or more dogs hunt, catch and kill brown hares, and has been illegal in Scotland since 2002. However, it may be on the increase.
See this week's edition of 'The Banffshire Journal' for full story.
