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Police slam badger baiting after sett disturbed

7:49am Friday 9th April 2010 in News

NORTH Yorkshire Police have appealed for the public’s help in protecting badgers and dogs from illegal baiting.

A disturbed badger sett was recently found in the county and police are now investigating whether this was a result of the blood sport.

Badger baiting, when a badger is forced to fight a succession of dogs, is often fatal to the badger and can result in the dogs also sustaining serious injuries.

PC Vanessa Bateson, wildlife crime officer, condemned the “barbaric” activity, and asked members of the public to contact police if they had any information about it. PC Bateson said: “The terriers used often suffer terrible injuries, usually to the lower jaw, as the badger will swing upwards with its front legs to fight the dog off.

“Unfortunately, these injuries usually go untreated as offenders will not take the dog to the vet for treatment for fear of exposing their illegal activities.”

People involved in badger baiting can be prosecuted under a number of laws, including the Protection of Badgers Act (1992), but police said it was vital suspected incidents were reported.

Interfering with a badger sett carries a maximum fine of £5,000 or up to six months’ imprisonment, and PC Bateson said she wants to see the practise eradicated in North Yorkshire.

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She said: “The law is effective in that it gives the police powers to seize and detain anything that may be evidence of an offence under the powers of the Protection of Badgers Act.

“That means we can take a suspect’s dogs, tools and even their vehicle.

“More importantly, any items seized are liable for forfeiture at court which means they will never get them back.”

Anyone with any information about suspected badger baiting should phone PC Bateson on 0845 6060247, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The disturbed badger sett being investigated by North Yorkshire Police was found at Ingleton, near Settle.

Comments(14)

AngryandFrustrated says...
8:50am Fri 9 Apr 10

Ummmmm - the mentality of people that find entertainment and amusement from watching two animals fight each other, often to death, in the most cruel and appaulling way............ the words sick barstewards leap into mind and I sincerely hope the police find these scroats and stop them from carrying out their sick games.

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LittleTed says...
8:57am Fri 9 Apr 10

Yet the same people who find this a vile "sport" also want fox hunting back????? Double standard Sicko's!

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sponge says...
9:06am Fri 9 Apr 10

That's because it is generally the upper classes that hunt the peasants that enjoy the dog fighting (with the masters permission of course).

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sponge says...
9:11am Fri 9 Apr 10

Ha ha just read my post what it should read is it is generally the upper classes that hunt the peasants that enjoy the dog fighting (with the masters permission of course).
That's because it is generally the upper classes that hunt & the peasants that enjoy the dog fighting (with the masters permission of course).

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sponge says...
9:24am Fri 9 Apr 10

what is going on with my posts? but I'm sure you get the drift.

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AdmiralNN says...
9:25am Fri 9 Apr 10

Thanks for clarifying that sponge

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LittleTed says...
9:28am Fri 9 Apr 10

I'm more confused than before??
But amused too.

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Henry Swanson says...
9:57am Fri 9 Apr 10

Flippin heck, very confusing!

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LittleTed says...
10:36am Fri 9 Apr 10

I nominate sponge as poster of the day!

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sponge says...
1:37pm Fri 9 Apr 10

well thank you very much

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jack york says...
3:27pm Fri 9 Apr 10

I nominate sponge as a pleasant peasant pheasant plucker!, don't say it fast!

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sayitasitis says...
8:32pm Fri 9 Apr 10

Because fox hunting controls vermine in a way that either kills it or lets it get away. The followers enjoy watching hounds "work" by finding the scent and/or the chance to ride across the land which is otherwise out of bounds.

badger baiting does not give the badger a chance. It can't escape and is not killed quickly but slowly after a lot of suffering.

but hey, Sponge, turn it in to a class thing and it all sounds much better doesn't it ? Fool !

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King Edward says...
8:45pm Fri 9 Apr 10

Terrier chav townies (TCTs) will be responsible, they come out from the cities so little chance of apprhending unless you catch them in the act. Usually coincides with shed break ins as they want spades to dig with.

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sponge says...
8:40am Sat 10 Apr 10

don't call me a fool I probably know more about it than you. I live in a rural area on a farm, was born into a farming family (one which my family had owned for genrations). I grew up riding horses had friends who hunted Most of Easingwold school in the 70's & 80's had some sort of involvement when I was there. I know what I have seen don't try and tell me otherwise.

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