Wildlife Crime Unit

Badgers

The badger is one of Britain's best-loved animals and is fully protected in law. Badgers live in social groups in underground setts where they sleep during the day, only emerging in the evening. They are shy creatures which avoid contact with people, but although they are seldom seen, badgers live in many places in the countryside surrounding London.

For centuries badgers have been victims of persecution by man, and in the old days, badger baiting was a popular spectator sport. It was made illegal in 1835, but never completely died out and has become more common in the last 20 years or so. Badger diggers use dogs and digging equipment to take badgers from their setts. The captured badgers are then attacked by dogs for sport, whilst the spectators gamble on the performance of the dogs. Large sums of money are often involved and it is usually the case that those involved in badger baiting are also involved in other serious crime, so the money used is often the proceeds of crime.

Badger baiting is extremely cruel and the badgers suffer severe injuries before they are killed. The dogs are often badly injured as well. It is estimated that 10,000 badgers are killed in this way every year.

Badgers are also victims of other forms of illegal persecution. In the London area the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit has dealt with cases of badgers being shot and poisoned, as well as many instances of disturbance, damage and destruction of setts.

How you can help Badgers

Badger groups play an important role in protecting badgers. They are made up of volunteers who often work with the police and other agencies to protect badgers. If you would like to join your local group, or if you want to know more about badgers, please contact:

The Badger Trust
PO Box 708
East Grinstead
RH19 2WN

Tel: 08458 287 878

Or visit www.nfbg.org.uk

If you see people with digging equipment and dogs in an area where badgers live, do not approach them but note down the registration numbers of any vehicles parked nearby and telephone the police straightaway.