Laws banning fox hunting are "unduly complicated" and "hinder" prosecutions, a report has found.

Lord Bonomy has called on the Scottish Government to make several amendments to the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002, which outlawed killing foxes with hounds.

No one has been successfully prosecuted under the legislation in the 14 years since it came into force.

Huntsmen can use foxes under the current laws to flush out the fox and then shoot it.

In his report, Lord Bonomy has agreed with some critics who believe illegal hunting is taking place in Scotland despite the lack of prosecutions.

He said: "There is a basis for suspecting that there may be occasions when hunting, which does not fall within one of the exceptions, does take place and that the grounds for that suspicion should be addressed".

The judge has recommended the establishment of hunt monitors to ensure that foxes are not killed illegally.

Lord Bonomy believes it could be possible to establish a voluntary code of practice for participants to adhere to but legislation could be used to establish it.

The report also calls on the Scottish Government to consider vicarious liability as well as extending the time limit of bringing forward prosecutions.

In their submission to the review, Police Scotland described fox hunting laws as "somewhat unworkable".

Responding to the report, environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "The Scottish Government recognised concerns about whether the legislation on fox hunting is working properly - that is why we asked Lord Bonomy to carry out this detailed work.

"Back in 2002, Scotland led the way in addressing animal welfare concerns and we remain committed to ensuring the highest levels of welfare for our wild animals.

"We will now carefully consider the findings, with a view to responding in 2017. Any ensuing proposals for legislative change will be subject to the proper consultation processes."

The Scottish Greens called on the government to "act fast" and amend the country's fox hunting laws.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell said: "Current legislation has never been fit for purpose and those who value barbaric tradition over animal welfare and rule of law have found many loopholes to exploit.

"Lord Bonomy's report is clear that changes are needed to introduce greater restriction and monitoring of hunting and that landowners should also be liable for breaches of the law.

"The Scottish Government must act fast to bring amending legislation to parliament and prevent further animal cruelty from taking place."

The Countryside Alliance, which campaigns to uphold the right to hunt, said it was pleased the inquiry had "recognised the importance of gun packs for fox control and rejected unjustified calls for further restrictions".

The alliance said there was not a "significant problem" enforcing the law but they were "very happy to work closely with the authorities".