On National Badger Day (6 October 2023) Lancashire Badger Group reacts to recent convictions for badger baiting, and shares a more positive story and photo.
Ian Scott, Lancashire Badger Group’s Sett Protection Officer said “Whilst we are pleased with the recent convictions of Brandon Lawler and Carl Harwood and the abhorrent sport of badger baiting in Burnley, we have to remind ourselves that people like Lawler & Harwood are in the minority, we can all play a part in protecting wildlife, and compassion always wins over cruelty.”.
He continued “Earlier this week a landowner from Burnley contacted our emergency helpline after finding a badger caught in a snare placed illegally on a badger path. Our volunteer response team attended and through our skill and knowledge, we were able to safely capture and whisk Brock off to the vets. Thankfully the snare had not cut into the badger and whilst under anaesthetic the snare was removed. Brock spent a couple of nights in rehab and he was safely released back into the wild.”
“Wildlife needs our help, if members of the public know of persons involved in badger baiting they can report them to Lancashire Police 101, Lancashire Badger Group (0844 870 7908) or Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.
NOTES
1) Badgers are protected by law under the 1992 Protection of Badgers Act, Lancashire Badger Group works alongside landowners, members of the public, Lancashire police and the RSPCA to protect these iconic British mammals. for further information see our website www.lancashirebadgergroup.org.uk
2) Please credit badger photo to Lancashire Badger Group if used.
3) Lancashire Badger Group are a local charity run by volunteers working to protect badgers. We are affiliated to the Badger Trust
4) National Badger Day is celebrated on 6th October every year, organised by the Badger Trust. https://www.badgertrust.org.uk/
5) Brandon Lawler was convicted under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and sentenced to imprisonment on 21 September 2023 at Blackpool Magistrates for an offence in Burnley. https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/absolutely-horrific-badger-baiting-film-27847242
6) Carl Harwood was given a suspended prison sentence and disqualified from keeping animals in February 2023 https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23322618.burnley-man-filmed-two-dogs-fighting-badger/
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