A man has appeared in court accused of involvement in hare coursing and being the owner of a dog which worried cattle on land in the Eden Valley.
George Mason, 49, is accused of participating in a hare coursing event in a field near the village of Gamblesby on September 1 this year.
Hare coursing involves the hunting hares with dogs using sight rather than scent.
A second charge alleges that he was the owner of a dog which worried a herd of cattle in that area on the same date.
During a short hearing at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning, Mason pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Mason was said to accept presence at the scene but denied the offences as alleged, insisting he was merely letting dogs walk in the field in question.
Mason, of Low Harker Dene, Harker, north of Carlisle, is next due to stand trial at the magistrates’ court.
This hearing is due to take place on January 6 2026, and — it is estimated — will last around half a day.
In the meantime Mason has been granted unconditional bail.
