CONCERNS have been raised that hare coursing is becoming a problem in East Linton after a number of hares were found dead.

A concerned member of the public took to a Facebook group to say they had found a number of hares dead on Friday.

They expressed a concern that these incidents were being filmed by the public.

The person said: “Just back from a walk around Drylaw and there’s clearly hare coursing going on in the area.

“Several dead hares found, and from the placement and injuries it’s clear what’s occurring.

“The chases are filmed, for profit, and released on the internet, generally by groups from outside the area. Heartbreaking to see the life gone from these beautiful animals.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.25pm on Friday, March 31, officers received a report of possible hare coursing at a premises in East Linton.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Challenges associated with hare coursing continues to be an area of focus for the East Lothian Partnership Against Rural Crime (ELPARC).

“We would encourage anyone who observes or is aware of alleged hare coursing to report the matter to the police.”