Badger Trust: Recent convictions reveal ‘tip of the iceberg’ of badger persecution in the UK
- Badger Trust Staff Team
- Aug 12, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 9, 2021
Fears that thousands of badger crimes go unrecognised or unreported as badger charity calls for public support
Recent convictions for badger crime in Hull and Exeter reveal the relentless badger persecution that continues throughout Britain. They also show the commitment shown by wildlife crime partners who work to protect badgers and bring offenders to justice. However, Badger Trust knows that these crimes are just the tip of the iceberg and fears that thousands of crimes still go unrecognised or unreported.
The Humberside crime involves a man who was charged after videos of two dogs fighting with a badger were found on his mobile phone after it was seized for an unrelated reason. Callum Pullen appeared at Hull Magistrates on 30th July 2021 charged with Affray, Wilfully Killing a Badger and Causing an Animal Fight to which he pleaded guilty. Pullen was remanded to appear for sentencing at Hull Crown Court on 27th August.
And in Chulmleigh, Devon, two Eggesford Hunt followers were recently found guilty of interfering with badger setts during an organised hunt in November 2019. Filmed by hunt monitors, a terrier man and a kennel man blocked entrances with earth, debris and nets as they tried to flush out and 'humanely dispatch' a fox that had gone to ground.
Badger Trust Wildlife Crime and Training Officer, Craig Fellowes, commented:
‘Tackling crimes against badgers requires dedicated commitment and knowledge, but most importantly needs wildlife partners to come together with the same aim. Achieving that has paid dividends in these cases’
He continued: ‘The Hull case shows the combined approach within enforcement. There’s a clear commitment from wildlife crime trained staff and front line staff with a keen and enthusiastic approach, alongside the use of forensic technology. The Devon case is a prime example of partnership working, with organisations and individuals pulling together for the protection of this native species. This included those who monitor individuals committing the crimes under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and witnesses providing evidence of the badger sett, to dedicated police resources and the Crown Prosecution Service.’
The badger is the only animal in the UK to have specific legislation to protect it due to the continuing persecution it faces. Badger Trust works closely with the police, other enforcement agencies, and related partner organisations to combat wildlife crime. It also widely promotes public awareness and crime reporting through its Stop Badger Crime’ campaign.
Fellowes added:
‘We are so grateful for the help we receive from the general public. We rely on the badger crime and suspicious incident reports they make – they’re a vital step on the long road to prosecution and conviction.’
How you can help us stop badger crime
Badger Trust has staff resources dedicated to monitoring and tracking badger crime across England and Wales, working closely with police to follow ongoing investigations and assist as needed. This ensures that no case slips through the cracks, giving the best chance to achieve more wildlife crime prosecutions.
By reporting badger crime the information you provide could help investigators bring offenders to justice. Your reports support vital campaigning work calling for changes to the law to improve the lives of thousands of animals.
If you see a badger crime or suspicious incident in progress:
call 999 and ask for police assistance
ensure you get a reference number for your call
If you discover a badger crime that has already happened:
call the police on their non-emergency number 101
ensure you get a reference number for your call
In all cases, keep yourself safe and do not approach or disturb the scene.
This hard-hitting short film aims to raise public awareness of crimes against badgers and encourage reporting.
Further information
The Badger Trust receives hundreds of reports every year from its confidential reporting centre of wildlife crimes that involve badgers. It is estimated that over 30,000 badgers every year fall victim to wildlife crime, despite having one of the highest levels of protection under the law.
Wildlife crime has remained a prominent issue facing badgers and causes a large number of badger deaths each year. Very few end up being brought to justice, with outdoor crime scenes especially difficult. Badger Trust training for police forces in England and Wales aims to ensure those police officers arriving on the scene know how to identify a badger sett and evidence of badger crime.
The Badger Trust has provided training to police forces across England and Wales since 2017 and has been credited in recent success stories.
The Badger Trust and Naturewatch Foundation have also produced a publication, ‘The Persecution of Badgers: A Guide for Investigators in England and Wales.’
The Badger Trust relies almost entirely on generous donations from groups, supporters, and members of the public. Getting involved with your local badger group and signing up for a monthly donation plan with the Badger Trust are two of the best ways you can help preserve this wonderful species for generations to come.
