Two Borders gamekeepers have been cleared of causing animal fights by placing a dog in a badger sett which had a fox in it.
A sheriff ruled David Harris, 30, and 42-year-old Graham McLaughlan had no case to answer.
The case followed a raid by Scottish SPCA investigators at the Marchmont Estate near Duns, in December 2008.
Mr Harris, of Duns, and Mr McLaughlan, of Marchmont estate, still face charges of disturbing a badger sett.
Mr Harris is also accused of failing to provide proper medical care for a dog.
The trial has already been part-heard on two occasions and has now been continued to 23 August when the case for the defence will resume.
