Police are probing reports that a young child was taken to watch vicious dogs being set on wild hares in Fife.
Police have launched an urgent investigation into reports of hare coursing in the St Andrews and East Neuk areas.
The first incident is thought to have taken place on Saturday August 13 within a field between Kippo Plantation and Quarter Kippo.
Two men are reported to have been seen with two dogs chasing down wild hares.
They were also believed to be in the company of a child, and were travelling in a yellow Transit van.
Thee days later, three males with dogs were seen acting suspiciously in the Anstruther area.
This trio were also spotted leaving the scene 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.
