Scotland's ban on fox hunting with hounds is "somewhat unworkable", Police Scotland has said.

The comment was made as part of the force's submission to Lord Bonomy, who is conducting a review of the legislation.

A ban on hunting foxes with hounds has been in place in Scotland since 2002 when the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act was passed by Holyrood.

The Scottish Government ordered a review into the law last year.

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

Police Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to amend the law so that terms such as "stalking", "searching", and "flushing" will be defined in the legislation to stop confusion which it believes currently takes place which can "deflect from the original intention or spirit" of the act.

Fox hunting groups are still allowed to use dogs to flush out the animals and chase them towards the hunts, where the foxes are then shot.

Police Scotland said: "The current legislation has become somewhat unworkable due to the exceptions available, the lack of clarity over key terminology and the lack of individual accountability".

Anti-fox hunting group the League Against Cruel Sports welcomed Police Scotland's submission to the review.

Robbie Marsland, the director of the group in Scotland, said: "Our two-year investigation into the activities of Scottish fox hunts convinced us that they were driving a coach and horses through the present legislation.

"We agree with Police Scotland that the law as it stands is 'unworkable'.

"The Scottish Parliament thought it had banned fox hunting in 2002. Now is the time for the law to be strengthened and for fox hunting in Scotland to be really banned, for good."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We're grateful to those who made a submission to the Rt Hon. Lord Bonomy's review.

"Scottish ministers will carefully consider his report and, as previously committed, will consult on any consequent proposals for change to the current arrangements.

"Lord Bonomy's report will be published in due course."