Police investigate attacks on badger setts

The latest incident happened in the Scammonden Dam area, which is between Huddersfield and Halifax, and involved an attack on a badger sett.

It is being investigated by Calderdale officers.

Police say someone had attempted to remove heavy stone and rubble in a bid to dig up the sett. It is unclear whether any animals were taken or injured.

Some individuals use dogs to ‘hunt’ badgers but this is illegal.

The incident is currently being investigated by Calderdale district police’s Wildlife Officer, Special Constable Phil Sanderson.

He was contacted last Wednesday by the Calderdale Badger Monitor Group and is appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously, particularly if they were seen with dogs and spades, to get in touch.

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

“Badgers are a protected species by law, as is their habitation and anyone found interfering with a badger set 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.”

Special Constable Sanderson said there had been three attacks on badger setts in the Barkisland area this year, mainly in the Black Brook valley area.

Anyone who witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or anyone who has any information about the incident, is urged to contact Special Constable Phil Sanderson or PC Fiona Igo at Todmorden police station on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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