A SCOTTISH man has been charged by police after video footage, said to be filmed on December 22, 2021, showing a dog chasing a fox over a wall during a hunt near Kelso was posted online.

The footage was obtained by the League Against Cruel Sports who reported the matter to Police Scotland.

An investigation was launched and this morning officers confirmed that a 28-year-old man had been charged in connection with wildlife crimes.

A spokesperson said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 28-year-old man has been charged in connection with wildlife crimes, following an investigation into a report of fox hunting near Kelso, on Wednesday, 22 December, 2021.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Meanwhile, a bill that will close loopholes in legislation on the use of dogs for hunting has been introduced.

The Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill will limit the number of dogs allowed to be used to flush animals for them to be shot to two, whereas an unlimited number can currently be used.

The Scottish Government pledged to introduce the bill in its Programme for Government.

Under the legislation, the two dogs will only be able to be used to control predators if they threaten livestock, timber or crops, to protect human health or to prevent the spread of disease, with a licence required for the use of bigger groups.