THREE men are to appear in court in connection with hare coursing incidents that occurred in the Scottish Borders earlier this week.

Officers from Bonnyrigg  Police Station arrested the males, aged 31, 35 and 47, after receiving reports of three men using lurcher type dogs to target hares within Pathhead, Midlothian on February 3.

As a result of the police investigation the men were also charged for the same offence carried out in Horseupceugh in the Scottish Borders earlier the same day.

The men were charged under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 and are expected to appear in court in due course. 

PC Jamie Hood the Wildlife Liaison Officer said: "Hunting hares with dogs is not only cruel but is an anti social activity that impacts on the livelihoods of people who work in our rural community.

"The people involved in this activity are often involved in other criminal activity so we ask members of the public to be vigilant and call 101 if you see anyone who you suspect are hunting hare, or if you have information about this or any other criminal activity you can also call in confidence contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."