(224)  FOX-HUNTING CHARGES

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed on 29 April 2003 that Trevor Adams, manager of foxhounds for the Buccleuch Hunt, and Rory Innes, former master of the Jedforest Hunt, have each been charged with offences involving hunting foxes with dogs under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002, in relation to separate incidents occurring on 16 October 2002 and 1 March 2003.  Whether or not the charges will be followed by prosecutions has yet to be decided by the procurator fiscals concerned.  Scottish hunts have continued to meet since the Act came into force in August 2002, and are permitted to shoot foxes as a form of pest control.