TWO men have been sentenced for hare coursing offences in the Scottish Borders.

Stuart Brunt, 27, and Anthony Webster, 36, had seven dead hares in their possession near the Tollishill Estate in the Lammermuir Hills, when they were discovered at around 10:40am on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

Mr Brunt plead guilty at Selkirk Sheriff court on April 24, and was issued a fine of £1200, while Mr Webster plead guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court, and was fined £600.

Wildlife and Environmental Crime Officer for the Scottish Borders, PC Andrew Loughlin said: “Hare coursing has now become the most prolific wildlife crime that is being committed across the Lothians and Scottish Borders.

“Hare coursing is a dangerous sport that causes significant suffering and stress to the animals involved as well as causing damage and disruption to crops and livestock. The sentence that has been handed to these men sends out a clear message to those that are thinking of committing this offence and shows that it’s something that Police and their partners will treat incidents of this nature with the utmost seriousness.

“People who take part in hare coursing have absolutely no regard for the community and land on which they practise this illegal activity and I would urge anyone who has any concerns to contact Police Scotland on 101.”