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Wildlife crime
Badger baiting
Badger baiting is a serious, organised form of animal cruelty in which badgers are dug out of their setts and set upon by dogs. It is illegal across England and Wales, and badgers and their setts are strongly protected by law.
About badger baiting
Badger baiting involves locating an active badger sett, digging down to the badgers (often using dogs fitted with locator collars), and then forcing the badger to fight dogs for "sport" or gambling. Badgers and dogs are frequently left with horrific injuries.
It is closely linked to other criminality, including illegal gambling and the breeding of fighting dogs. Interfering with a badger sett in any way — blocking entrances, digging or using dogs to enter it — is also an offence.
Signs to look for
- Disturbed or damaged badger setts, fresh digging, or spades and other tools left near a sett
- Dogs with facial scarring or puncture wounds, particularly to the muzzle and neck
- Groups of people with terriers and digging equipment near woodland or fields, often at night or early morning
- Locator collars, nets, or sacks near a sett
The law
Badgers are protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. It is an offence to wilfully kill, injure or take a badger, to cruelly ill-treat one, or to dig for badgers.
It is also an offence to damage, destroy or block access to a badger sett, or to disturb a badger while it is occupying a sett. Causing a dog to enter a sett is an offence too.
Causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs involved is additionally an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
How to report badger baiting
If you've witnessed badger baiting, please report it to us. Give as much detail as you can safely gather — what you saw, exactly where and when, descriptions of any people, animals or vehicles involved, and any photos or video. Do not put yourself at risk or confront anyone.
If an animal is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999.