POLICE have arrested two men over alleged breaches of Scotland’s new fox hunting legislation.
It comes after video surveillance and complaints were submitted by anti-hunting groups in the Scottish Borders.
Officers have investigated six reports of illegal fox hunting since new legislation was first passed in October.
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Police Scotland has since confirmed that two men aged 29 and 55 were arrested as part of its inquiries.
A spokesperson said: “Since the introduction of the Hunting with Dogs Act in October 2023, we have investigated six reports of illegal fox hunting.
“A 29-year-old man has been charged with three hunting offences and is the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.
“A second man, aged 55 years, was arrested following a report of three further hunting offences. He has been released pending further inquiry.”
The new legislation aimed to close loopholes in existing law by imposing a two-dog pack limit for the management of wild mammals.
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan (above) helped to pilot the legislation through parliament and said: “The chasing and killing of a wild mammal with a dog, for sport, or otherwise, has no place in modern Scotland.
“It’s been illegal for 20 years, but deficiencies in the previous legislation have led to concerns that it persists.
“This bill is about closing those loopholes, preventing others from opening and finally ending illegal hunting with dogs in Scotland.”
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