A farmer has spoken of the moment an illegal hare courser jumped into the cab of his tractor and threatened to cause him harm.
Mike Gillies was working in the fields at East Inchmichael Farm, Errol, when he came across the group carryingout the “barbaric” activity on Friday evening.
The 59-year-old took out his phone to take some photos as evidence, onlyfor one of the men to get too close for comfort.
He said: “I was ploughing and had to come up to the farm to do a repair job on the sprayer.
“As I was going back down I was met by two dogs coming straight for me.
“I got my phone out and took some pictures. The dogs had caught a hare and had started to eat it.
“I sat in the tractor waiting for the men (to come and get the dogs) and eventually one came along. I took his photograph and he ran towards me and jumped in the cab and threatened me.
“His exact words were, ‘There was no need for that’ meaning me taking his picture and added, ‘We could harm you’. He was trying to intimidate.
“I told him the police were on their way and what he’s doing is illegal at which point he took his dog and left.”
The group consisted of five men and two lurcher-type dogs.
Mike added that although selective culling of some wildlife is a part of farm life, he has actively encouraged hareson the farm land and consideredhunting with dogs to be barbaric.
“It was a horrible sight,” he said. “I was a bit shocked because it’s the first time we’ve seen hare coursers for about 15 years.
“The best thing was when the law was changed regarding hunting with dogs and the last time they were here was the day before that change.”
Mike said that the hare coursers had returned to the farm on Tuesday.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland confirmed they were looking into the first incident.
She said: “We are making inquiry after an incident at a farm in Errol at 5.40pm on Friday October 2.
“Officers are keen to trace five men who were seen in the area with dogs.
“Two of the men are described as being in their fifties.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”