Animal welfare agencies, police, and rural organisations are banding together to form an umbrella group to root out the problem of hare coursing.

Unlike those who kill deer indiscriminately, the practice of hunting hare is often committed by people gambling on the events, but occurs at a similar unsociable time.

Earlier this month, Grampian Police announced details of a taskforce set up to curb wildlife-related crime in the north-east, including the illegal hunting of hares.

A multi-agency approach is now being undertaken in the region, with information shared by the police, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, the SSPCA, RSPB, Scottish National Heritage and other rural groups.

But Ross Minnett, spokesman for Advocates for Animals, stressed the problem can only be fully eradicated with public help.

"We are often contacted by members of the public, particularly in areas surrounding large cities, concerned about groups or gangs of people going out at night hunting and killing wild animals," he said.

"People can understandably be reluctant and afraid to report their concerns to the police as these gangs can be very intimidating. We would, however, encourage anybody with concerns about possible wildlife crimes to contact the police.

"The killing of deer seems to be linked to a concerning rise in illegal hare-coursing. We hope the police are taking reports from members of the public seriously and following up and investigating their concerns.

"Tighter regulations on gun ownership could certainly do no harm."