Operation to stop disturbing crime

The Division is committed to targeting wildlife crime, both for the safety of the public and the wildlife.

Forth Valley has a full-time wildlife crime officer, with the back up officers who have the developing skill set in this area.

Crimes perpetrated against wildlife consistently attract an extremely high level of interest and concern.

From March 1 to 31, Falkirk Area Command is taking part in Operation Lepus, a Division-wide initiative which will see officers working in partnership with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the National Farmers Union and Scottish Land and Estates.

There will be coordinated activity across the area with rural locations adjacent to Falkirk, Grangemouth, Bo’ness and Larbert as target areas. The priority is hare coursing, involving lurcher or greyhound dogs chasing hares in open land which is illegal.

With the assistance of local officers, additional patrols are being undertaken to combat this disturbing crime which causes animal’s considerable distress and suffering.