Two men have been sentenced after they admitted to interfering with a badger sett with a dog in Gwynedd.
Anthony Lloyd Wilkinson of Llanllyfni and Stephen Lee Jones of Caernarfon, appeared at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 16 October.
They both pleaded guilty to two offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in that ‘on or about 7 January’ the the area of Garndolbenmaen they interfered with a badger sett by causing a dog to enter, and they interfered by digging the sett.
At the hearing they were both sentenced by the District Judge to 12 weeks custody which was suspended for one year. They were also disqualified from keeping dogs for a period of four years.
They were also ordered to pay a contribution towards the costs of the RSPCA in the sum of £600 each and also a victim surcharge of £154.
The court heard that enquiries by North Wales Police identified two suspects and warrants were later carried out with the RSPCA in attendance on two addresses under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
At one address two dogs – a male, black patterdale terrier called Max and a female, black patterdale terrier called Roxy were found living in an unsuitable environment. These two dogs were seized by police and were also signed over to the RSPCA.
In a veterinary expert statement, provided to the court, it was stated that Max had multiple scars which appeared as areas of hairless, grey skin.
They added: “This suggests to me that they were healed and therefore had happened a minimum of 14 days prior to my examination.
“Scarring around the face and muzzle, particularly degloving injuries to the lower jaw are often consistent with injuries inflicted by badgers during altercations/fights. It is possible for this scarring to have occurred through fights with other animals or puncture wounds from other traumas.”
Following the hearing, RSPCA Chief Inspector for the charity’s Special Operation Unit, Ian Muttit, said: “Sadly, badger digging remains a serious problem in our countryside.
“The RSPCA will not relent in bringing those involved in this cruel activity to justice, as demonstrated with this investigation, for which we’d like to thank North Wales Police and in particular PC Matt Raymond from the Rural Crime Team.
“This prosecution will be a warning to anyone involved in badger baiting activity. If caught, the RSPCA will act, and will seek justice for the animals involved.”
North Wales Police’s Investigating Officer Matt Raymond said: “The law to protect badgers is in place for good reason and we take all reports seriously.
“Given offences of this nature are usually difficult to bring to the courtroom because of their isolated nature, I welcome this result, which also demonstrates the importance of the partnership working that we have with the RSPCA when investigating wildlife crime.
“Rural crimes of this nature aren’t tolerated and will be investigated and dealt with seriously at court.”
