AUSTIN HAWKE, ILKLEY GAMEKEEPER, CONVICTED OVER BADGER DEATH NEAR HIGH DENTON FARM

In 2019, gamekeeper Austin Hawke, born on August 23, 1967, residing at The Bungalow, Ling Park, Ilkley LS29 0EJ, was convicted of wildlife offenses related to the death of a badger. The badger was found dead in a snare at High Denton Farm, near Ilkley, suffering from neglect that led to a cruel and prolonged death.

The badger had been attracted to a 'stink pit'—a legitimate site where carcasses are placed to lure vermin for destruction—located on the site. Hawke, who was the head keeper of Denton Park Estate, had denied neglecting to inspect the snares daily, a requirement under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Prior to Easter 2018, Hawke set eight wire snares at four entrances surrounding a 25 by 25-meter fenced moorland area, aiming to trap foxes, which he was licensed by Defra to control. These snares were placed near a square pit with four entrance holes cut into the fencing mesh, approximately 100 meters from a footpath. Hawke claimed that on Good Friday, March 30, 2018, he deactivated the snares because of anticipated increased foot traffic over the Easter holiday.

The RSPCA opposes the use of snares, citing their indiscriminate trapping and the suffering they cause—an attitude that seemingly did not influence Hawke. He described his method of deactivation as loosening the wire to make the loops smaller and wrapping them around a 'tealer', a semi-rigid wire, then laying them in the undergrowth, with plans to reset them after several weeks. Hawke stated, "Generally, deactivating snares involved loosening the wire so the loop part... is made smaller and laid down nearby," and he insisted that when traps are active, they are checked daily, with non-target species like hares and badgers being released.

The dead badger was discovered on May 28, 2018, by walker and bird watcher Andrew Jowett. Police responded the next day, with Sergeant Stuart Grainger of North Yorkshire Police describing the scene: the badger was found in one of the snares, attached to a wooden stake, in an advanced state of decay, with the snare having cut into its flesh. The badger appeared to have been dead for several days.

Hawke acknowledged the legal requirement to check snares every 24 hours but argued that since he had deactivated them, routine checks were unnecessary. He emphasized his 35 years of experience as a gamekeeper and claimed that, when in use, snares are checked daily and any non-target animals released. He expressed concern about the possibility of animal rights activists responsible for or responsible for similar incidents, suggesting they might aim to undermine the profession, stating, "Removing a head keeper (through conviction) would be quite a scalp even if it meant the death of a badger."

Prosecutor Rob Yates argued, however, that it was unlikely for animal rights campaigners opposed to trapping to have set snares. Instead, Hawke was under a legal obligation to check the snares routinely, which he failed to do. The magistrates found Hawke guilty, noting it was an 'isolated act of negligence, rather than intent.'

Sergeant Kev Kelly from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force commented, "This case was reported following a member of the public who was aware of our proactive work under Operation Owl. It was evident that the badger had suffered before death, and the investigation aimed to prevent further animal suffering. If breakaway snares had been used, the likelihood of killing the badger would have been reduced."

He added, "Hawke’s conviction will impact perceptions of the profession and does a disservice to diligent colleagues." RSPCA’s Geoff Edmond highlighted the partnership work with police through Operation Owl: “This badger endured a horrific, prolonged death in the snare. The RSPCA opposes snares because of their indiscriminate and painful nature. While legal, efforts should focus on raising awareness and accountability, working with authorities to promote good practice.”

Regarding sentencing, Hawke received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £645.