Wildlife

Badger Baiting Crime Prevention and Reporting

Badger baiting is a serious criminal offense causing extreme animal suffering. Understanding how to recognize and report it helps protect badgers and supports prosecution.

Key Facts

Badger baiting involves digging out badger setts and setting dogs on the badgers inside
It is illegal under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006
Participants often carry distinctive equipment including spades, tongs and specialized terrier dogs
Social media has been used to organize and film events, providing evidence for prosecution
The National Wildlife Crime Unit coordinates police response to badger baiting across the UK

Welfare Considerations

Badger baiting causes extreme suffering through violent dog attacks that may last hours, often resulting in severe injury before death. The animals involved including the dogs also suffer injuries. Wildlife crime including badger baiting is associated with other serious criminality. Successful prosecution depends on public reporting and evidence preservation.

What You Can Do

Report suspected badger baiting immediately to police on 999 and record information safely from a distance
Contact the RSPCA, SSPCA or local wildlife crime officer for specialist support
Note vehicle registrations, descriptions of individuals and equipment if safe to do so
Report social media content promoting or showing badger baiting to the platform and police
Support organizations including the Badger Trust that campaign against wildlife crime