We were alerted to the incident after the remains of five hares were found by a member of the public in two bags on Strathblane Road on 5 September.
Scottish SPCA inspector Mairi Wright, said, “The remains were found in the burn next to the layby across from the sign for the Loch Ardinning walk.
“The member of the public initially thought the remains belonged to deer but on further examination we discovered the bags actually contained five hares. One of the hares was pregnant.
“The bodies of the animals were sent for post mortem, which determined the hares had been shot and retrieved by dogs.
“This is a horrendous incident which will have caused a great deal of fear and suffering to the hares.
“If anyone has any information about this incident, we would ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Constable Laura Robertson, wildlife crime liaison officer for Forth Valley Division, said: “We are aware of the incident and regularly work closely with Scottish SPCA inspectors.
“We will continue to support the Scottish SPCA with this incident.”
