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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Robert Fairnie

Dogs left in field after police disrupt suspected hare coursing in East Lothian

Three dogs were left behind in a field after police in East Lothian disrupted incidents of suspected hare coursing at the weekend.

A vehicle drove off at speed and was lost to sight when officers arrived at an incident at Lochhouses on Sunday morning. Three lurcher dogs were left running loose and two of them have since been recovered.

There had earlier been reports of a group of people seen in fields with the dogs. Police want to speak to anyone who saw a grey Nissan X-Trail and a blue Subaru Forrester parked nearby or driving with lurchers inside the vehicle.

Incidents near Athelstaneford and Gifford Golf Club were also reported to police on Sunday morning.

Hare coursing is the barbaric pursuit and killing of hares using sighthounds. It has been illegal for more than a decade, and police say it supports serious organised crime.

It was reported earlier this year that criminals were travelling hundreds of miles to take part in the brutal activity in the Edinburgh area, with thousands of pounds changing hands as bets are made over the internet.

Officers say their inquiries into the incidents are continuing. Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or has any information, should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 1712 of 25 August.

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