Sponsored by
Have badger baiters struck again?
BADGER baiters are thought to have struck at two setts in Barkisland.
Cubs and pregnant sows are feared dead in the latest attacks after dens were found disturbed near Bottomley Clough and Scammonden Dam.
Ted Ashman, Calderdale countryside service warden, said: "They could have had three or four badgers out of each sett, but the worrying thing is the females are giving birth at this time of year so sadly they may have even killed some cubs or heavily pregnant sows."
The cruel "sport" sees small terrier-type dogs sent into tunnels to find badgers.
The setts are then dug up by baiters, who often maim the animals before setting larger dogs like lurchers on them.
Mr Ashman, also a member of the Calderdale Badger Protection Group, said: "They can be shot, knifed and hit with spades.
"Sadly, I don't understand why they do it – they class it as a sport."
Badgers are a protected species and it is a crime to harm them.
The sett at Bottomley Clough is believed to have been interfered with last year by the same baiters.
Mr Ashman said: "We have some suspects but nothing can be done until they are caught at it, and it's something that takes place in the early hours when nobody is about."
"We are working with the police to put some more surveillance in place."
Mr Ashman also urged vets to be vigilant when treating injured dogs.
"In a one-on-one fight a badger will hold its own and the dogs can get quite horrific lower jaw injuries.
"Any self-respecting vet would hopefully report their owners to the police because it's quite obvious they have been used for fighting," he said.
Anyone with information should contact Sally Smart, West Yorkshire Police wildlife officer, on 0845 6060606.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
