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PAW Northern Ireland launches Badger Persecution Report 2016-2018


Northern Ireland badger crime remains widespread, new badger report reveals

A report highlighting the disturbance of badgers and destruction of their setts in Northern Ireland has stated that there were 155 incidents concerning potential crimes against badgers reported to the PSNI during the period 2016-18. 
 

Published by the “Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime – Northern Ireland” (PAW NI) the report reveals these offences were categorised as incidents which may have constituted wildlife crime, including incidents of sett disturbance; suspected badger baiting; or misuse of traps and snares.

Wildlife crime incidents against badgers in 2016-18 had a wide geographic distribution throughout Northern Ireland. However, most reports were made within County Down and County Antrim. 

Dr Jon Lees, Northern Ireland Environment Agency – Wildlife Officer and Chair of the PAW NI Badger Subgroup said, “Around 50 incidents of crime against badgers are reported annually, but as with other wildlife crime we suspect this is not the full picture and many more occurrences may be going unrecorded. 

Source: Newry Times