Vigilance call over ‘sadistic’ badger baiting

Vigilance call over ‘sadistic’ badger baiting

3 May 2017

“SADISTIC” badger baiters are operating after nightfall outside Downpatrick, an animal welfare group has warned.

The Northern Ireland Badger Group has urged the public to be vigilant about criminal activity in the area after a badger was fatally injured in an incident at Annadorn Road last week.

The PSNI has also urged the public to come forward with information following the mauling with those responsible facing up to five years in prison.

Describing the activity in which badgers are trapped and attacked by dogs as “sadistic”, Peter Clarke, from the badger group, said people from the Downpatrick area needed to be particularly vigilant.

He said the discovery of the badly injured badger, which has since died, was “just the tip of the iceberg” in an increasingly regular spate of such crimes.

“Badgers are being dug from their setts, cage trapped, snared and lamped by these cruel and callous criminals, they are weakened before being ripped to shreds by the dogs in a sickening spectacle to satisfy the blood lust of the cowards involved,” he said.

“If you witness men acting suspiciously in the vicinity of a sett or have knowledge of crimes against badgers taking place contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland or Crime Stoppers immediately.  

“The people participating are involved in many other criminal activities so should not be approached.”  

Mr Clarke emphasised that badgers and their setts have full protection under the Northern Ireland Wildlife Order 1985, while the dogs used are also protected from acts of cruelty under the Welfare of Animals Act 2011.  

“We want these criminals tracked down and brought before the courts using these laws, given the five year custodial sentences available, heavy fines and banned for life from owning or being in possession of any animal. The punishment should fit the crime.”