Operation Major launches today

Operation Major unites Badger Trust, LACS, Naturewatch Foundation, RSPCA and police to tackle wildlife crime involving dogs.

Operation Major is a new partnership aimed at raising awareness about the use of dogs in wildlife crime. Badger Trust, League Against Cruel Sports, Naturewatch Foundation, and the RSPCA have teamed up with the police to launch the campaign.

One of many heartbreaking stories is that of Kracken, a Patterdale Terrier who was abandoned when a farmer spotted two men, each with a dog, in one of his fields where he knew there was a badger sett.

Once the men realised they had been seen, they hurriedly left, abandoning the dog behind.

The farmer discovered that the badger sett had been extensively excavated, including the tunnel network within the sett. He contacted the police via 999, and the police located Kracken at the badger sett. Due to serious injuries, they took him to the nearest vet. On examination, he found the dog to be suffering from serious injuries consistent with those inflicted by badgers.

Kracken had extensive damage to the jaw and a torn tongue, along with significant swelling and infection. Kracken was microchipped, but the registered owner was in Hungary, and efforts to trace them were unsuccessful.

After several weeks of treatment, Kracken fully recovered from his horrific injuries and has since started a new life with a loving family.

The aim of the Operation Major campaign is to improve the recognition of wildlife crime indicators and to encourage investigations when dogs display unexplained injuries.

Operation Major sees the police collaborating with veterinarians in an initiative aimed at boosting vigilance in identifying and reporting suspected wildlife crime-related injuries in dogs.

Operation Major is working to raise awareness that dogs are frequently harmed in wildlife crime and to encourage the reporting of concerns through straightforward channels.

By encouraging police officers who find injured dogs to investigate, document, and escalate situations when they discover an injured dog, and by asking veterinarians, who may be the first to notice signs of injury, to report their concerns about a possible wildlife crime to the police, it aims to stop the suffering of wildlife and dogs like Major.

Police- DC Aaron Flint:

‘Operation Major is about shining a light on the cruel and criminal use of dogs in wildlife crime and animal fighting. These offences are often hidden in our communities, and we rely on increased awareness to bring them to the surface. By working closely with policing teams, NGO's, professionals such as vets, and the public, we want to improve the recognition and reporting of these incidents. Every report helps us protect vulnerable animals, safeguard communities, and bring offenders to justice’

We can all do our part to help as well. If you see something you are not comfortable with or suspect is a wildlife crime, report suspicious injuries on dogs or unusual activities, such as digging, to help protect both wildlife and dogs.

If you see or suspect a wildlife crime, please follow this guidance:

- If the incident is happening now — Ring 999

- If the incident has already happened — Ring 101

- If you have information about a concerning dog and details of the persons involved — Ring 101

Craig Fellowes MBE of Badger Trust stated: 

For far too long, our wildlife has suffered for the sake of human pleasure.  This cruelty doesn’t stop with wild animals—it also leads to severe injuries for dogs involved.

This partnership represents a united effort to confront the issue and collaborate with law enforcement to protect both domestic and wild animals. Together, we must stand as one voice for the voiceless.

If you wish to pass on information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers.

Russ Middleton, head of intelligence at the League Against Cruel Sports, said:

“The League’s intelligence team all too often comes across harrowing photos and videos of dogs with severe injuries as a result of being used in fights with wildlife such as badgers.

“We look forward to raising awareness of this disturbing issue through the Operation Major partnership and to help end the shocking cruelty towards both the dogs and wildlife.

“We would encourage anyone with information on animal fighting to report it to the League Against Cruel Sports' confidential Animal Crimewatch service.”

Jim Clark, Naturewatch Foundation’s Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager, stated:

“Those who exploit dogs as disposable tools in the barbaric practice of wildlife and domestic animal abuse show little regard for any living being. Through Operation Major, we hope to turn the tide and bring much-needed protection to all animals affected. Naturewatch Foundation is proud to join forces with our partners to drive this vital project forward.”