Police hunt stepped up for badger baiters

The latest incident happened in the Sowerby Bridge area and follows incidents in the Scammonden area, between Huddersfield and Halifax, and three attacks on badger setts in the Barkisland area, mainly in the Black Brook valley area.

Police are appealing for information about the latest incident of badger baiting, which occurred in Milner Royd, Sowerby Bridge.

Officers believe a female badger was chased before being attacked and killed by dogs thought to belong to poachers.

The incident was reported to police last Thursday, October 4.

A police spokesman said: “This is the fourth incident in Calderdale this year and Calderdale district police’s wildlife officer, Special Constable Phil Sanderson, is urging people to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police.”

Special Constable Sanderson said: “Badgers are a protected species by law, as is their habitation, and anyone found interfering with a badger sett could face prosecution.

“Poachers can be charged with many offences, including criminal damage and theft, and will face arrest and conviction and the seizure of any vehicles, 
equipment and dogs used in the crimes. Poachers can also face disqualification from driving if they are using their vehicles for crime.”

Last month, criminals attempted to remove heavy stone and rubble in the Scammonden area in an attempt to dig up a badger sett. It is thought the gang fled empty handed.

Mr Sanderson said: “The area has an active badger monitor group who monitor all sets in Calderdale on a regular basis and report all matters of interference or concern to the police.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Special Constable Phil Sanderson or Pc Fiona Igo at Todmorden police station.