West Mercia Police officers in Hereford are investigating a report of potential badger baiting in the Lower Lyde area of the county on Saturday.
Suspicious activity was reported to the police, who have seen put out a neighbourhood alert.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police (Hereford Rural North Safer Neighbourhood Team) said:
“We are investigating reports of possible badger baiting on land near Lower Lyde.
“The incident took place on Saturday 22nd January at 3.30pm.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to this incident or that may have been in the area around the time of the incident and heard or seen anything suspicious. We are also keen to hear from anyone who might have seen a dark coloured pick up truck in the area around the same time.
“If you have information this please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk quoting incident reference 319 of 22/01/2022.
“If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
“Badger sett disturbance is commonly linked to badger baiting. This is a barbaric activity, involving dogs such as terriers being sent down a sett to hold the badger while offenders dig out the sett. A badger will attempt to fight back which often leaves the dogs injured and scarred. The dogs are usually called off the badger part way through the fight and the badger is then disabled by way of stabbing or a leg broken using an implement such as a shovel. This apparently gives the dog a better chance in the fight.
“The owners and spectators have little or no care for the welfare of dog and often view injuries to the dog as an irritation and interference of their activity. If a dog dies or its injuries mean that the animal cannot perform, the owners will simply get another dog and possibly abandon the injured one. Anyone who is suspected of or has committed such offences of causing a dog to fight badgers or causing unnecessary suffering will face prosecution under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.”
