UK police are investigating a video of a fox hunt - after campaigners alleged dogs were used

Cops are investigating a video of a fox hunt - after outraged campaigners alleged dogs were used to chase down the animals.

The video appears to show a dog chasing a fox over a wall during a hunt near Kelso, Scottish Borders - and was slammed as 'abhorrent' by an anti-hunting group.

Furious campaigners have reported the video, which was filmed near Hume Castle on December 22, to the police.

The League Against Cruel Sports Scotland said what can be seen in the footage is 'unacceptable' and called for a ban on hunting to be tightened.

Traditional fox hunting was banned in Scotland in 2002, but hunts in some forms are still allowed.

Dogs can be used to flush foxes from cover and drive them into the open - but then the fox should be shot.

The Buccleuch Hunt said it operated within the law at all times and described the allegations as ‘spurious’ and ‘politically-motivated’.

Robbie Marsland, director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland said: "Whether or not this incident is deemed to be illegal remains to be seen.

“But as far as we're concerned what can be seen in the footage is far from acceptable.

“Allowing dogs to chase and terrorise wild mammals is abhorrent. End of story.

"The footage has been passed to the police because in our view, it appears to be illegal hunting.