Badger Baiting In The Newry Area
Destination Newry, with its finger very much on the local community pulse
, has decided to look at the emotive issue of badger baiting. As part of our investigation we have interviewed members of the local community to assess public opinion on the hidden world of blood sports.
So what is Badger baiting?
Badger-baiting is a barbaric blood sport involving the hunting of badgers. Dogs - generally fitted with electronic collars - are used to find the badgers underground. A baiting session typically results in the death of the badger, and possibly serious injuries to the dogs. Dogs usually suffer injuries of the face and neck. In some cases, the injuries are such that the dogs must be put down. Badgers are dug out with shovels and very often are sold to clubs to be used as "bait" in fights between dogs and badgers.
Is it legal?
This is an illegal "blood sport". Badger baiting was outlawed in the UK as early as 1835, with the Cruelty to Animals Act.
Moreover, badgers are in fact a protected animal as they are listed as an endangered species. Badgers and their setts are protected separately under the 1992 Protection of Badgers Act. It is illegal to willfully kill or injure a badger. If you are convicted you could face up to 6 months imprisonment, or a substantial fine, but is this enough to deter those involved?
The USPCAs chief executive Stephen Philpott spoke of how cooperation with farmers was essential in the prevention of badger-baiting. Speaking to the BBC Mr. Philpott stated;
"The USPCA would say to any land owner out there, for years we have relied on you as the custodian of the countryside," he said. "Hundreds of badgers are killed each year to satisfy this "blood lust". Most of our best information comes from the farming community because they do actually love animals and respect them."
Recently the USPCA said they suspected some vets were knowingly treating dogs injured in badger baiting.
Bert Allison, president of the Northern Ireland Veterinary Association, said: "If there is evidence that this has happened, the USPCA must provide all relevant information to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which is the statutory regulator of the veterinary profession," he said. "Under our professional code all veterinary surgeons must provide treatment to alleviate the suffering of an animal presented to them. However the gangs abusing these animals may be obtaining veterinary care by deception"
Arguments have been brought forward that it is only natural for humans to hunt as we are instinctively hunters and gatherers. However this form of hunting is not for food, survival or anything else, this is to satisfy a blood thirst in an incredibly grotesque form: badgers are mutilated and ripped to pieces, with the well trained dogs also the subject of great injury to gratify the desires of their savage owners.
Many of those involved justify their actions by claiming they are helping the farmers get rid of disease-ridden badgers. This seems merely a cover up and a lie for their secret butchery.
Destination Newry spoke to a number of farmers from the Newry area, all of whom completely condemn the vicious killing and stated that there is no evidence to prove that all badgers carry disease. One in particular stated that he was horrified at this brutal killing, and certainly would not permit this on his land; he also stated this is a very real issue in Newry and is something which needs to be addressed.
Statistics show that those who commit violent acts against animals are more likely to commit crimes against people - including violent crimes such as rape & murder. If a child or teenager was involved in the violent torture of an animal this would be seen as a very dangerous sign and immediate action would be taken. However adults who hunt for sport are tolerated by the community, with some seeing it as a legitimate pastime.
On the 26th March 2012- A number of properties in the Banbridge and South Armagh area were searched as part of "Operation Meles", the investigation into badger baiting across Northern Ireland. A number of items, including firearms and ammunition were seized by officers and have been taken away for further examination. Two dogs, who appeared to have suffered injuries were also recovered.
The people we have spoken to on the streets of Newry were aware of this blood sport but were shocked that the horrific attacks do in fact occur in the local area; one Newry man said this is "absolutely disgusting that so called "civilized" human beings get their kicks from such intolerable practices!"
Newry councillor Brendan Curran raised this issue recently at the "Southern Group Environmental Health" committee meeting in Armagh and demanded a public awareness campaign to highlight this savagery.
Councillor Curran stated:
"The monsters who carry out these brutal attacks on defenceless animals can often be seen leaving the various housing estates of this town in groups with their spades, dogs and crowbars to dig out these defenceless animals to satisfy their blood lust pastime."
Councillor Curran then asked the committee "How many of the dead badgers you pass on the roads were killed accidentally by cars...or were butchered by these gangs and then thrown on the road to allow vehicles to mulch and cover up their despicable pastime?
Councilor Curran pleaded with the public and the committee to help stop this brutal and illegal pastime, and urged the public to get in contact with the police if they have any suspicions of people involved in these crimes.
by: James P Martin
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