Three men have been arrested and charged with hare coursing as part of a wildlife crime investigation by police.
The men - aged 31, 35 and 47 - allegedly used lurcher-type dogs to target hares around Pathhead, Midlothian, on February 3.
They were also accused of the same offence at the Horseupcleugh estate near Duns in the Borders on the same day and face charges under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act, police said.
They are expected to appear in court at a later date.
Pc Jamie Hood 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 is 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."
A 20-year-old man was also charged with coursing at farmland near Longniddry, East Lothian, earlier this week as police crack down on the practice.
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