Badger baiters back in business

Wildlife protection groups have reported a recent flurry of digging around setts in Cleveland and North Yorkshire, a sign that baiters have been looking for badgers to fight with their dogs.

And there are fears the badger baiters are trying to get the animals at their most aggressive, when they are protecting their newly-born cubs.

Ken Wood, of the Stokesley Badger Protection Group in North Yorkshire, said: "There has been digging going on, particularly in the Cleveland area, and it is happening at least twice a week.

"This is the time of year when they have had their cubs so they are better fighters but unless you catch someone actually digging it is very difficult to get them for it."

Jean Thorpe, of the Ryedale Badger Protection Group, said: "It can happen any time of year but they reckon a sow badger will fight harder and stronger if she is trying to protect her cubs.

"If the intention is to have a go at badgers or test your dogs then this is the time of year for doing it."

But she said the digging of setts generally appeared to be on the decline, as more people became aware it was illegal and were more inclined to report seeing it.

PC Rob King, wildlife liaison officer with Cleveland Police, said: "There has been a lot of digging and it is a problem.

"In the eyes of people involved in badger baiting they're more protective and less likely to leave the sett when they have cubs."

He said badger baiters were often looking to test the fighting qualities of their dogs by pitting them against badgers.

He said: "A badger is a formidable opponent for any dog one on one and they often set four or five dogs on the badger. And if they're getting the better of the dogs they maim the badger, maybe hacking an eye out or breaking its legs.

"They're looking for how well their dog does and if it has a fighting spirit - that makes their dog more valuable."

Read more about the Animal Watch campaign here.