BADGER BAITERS FROM DONCASTER, BRIDLINGTON AND HULL CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY IN EAST YORKSHIRE
In 2019, Andrew Booth, born around 1974 and residing on West Road, Moorends, Doncaster; George Horner, born circa 1992 of Brett Street, Bridlington; John Horner, born around 1999 of Constable Road, Bridlington; Kirk McGarry, born approximately 1968 of Southfield Road, Thorne, Doncaster; and Richard Willey, born about 1972 of Westlands Road, Hull, were convicted of wildlife and animal cruelty offenses at Beverley Magistrates’ Court.The group used two dogs—one of which was heavily pregnant—to attack a badger sett, a behavior described as both cruel and barbaric.
The incident was reported on the afternoon of December 30, 2017, by a concerned member of the public who alerted police that five men with dogs were digging into a badger sett at Melton in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Officers, including wildlife crime specialists, responded promptly to the scene and discovered four men still digging into what appeared to be an active badger sett.
At the scene, four terrier-type dogs were seized, including Paddy, who was seriously injured and fortunate to survive.
Another dog, Dizzy, was heavily pregnant at the time and later gave birth to a puppy named Romeo that is now one year old.
The other seized dogs—Charlotte and Jess—were also taken into custody.
All five dogs have since been kept under kennels and have responded well to medical care.
Paddy’s injuries were consistent with fighting badgers, and he nearly died from his wounds.
Inspector Iain Dixon commented, “Badger digging is a cruel and barbaric activity and involves horrendous suffering to both the badger and any dog involved.
In this particular case, one dog, Dizzy, was very far into pregnancy, giving birth within a few weeks of the incident, which shows the uncaring and callous nature of those involved all the more.” The convicted men each received a maximum sentence of six months in prison.
Additionally, they were issued three-year Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs for kennelling and veterinary expenses.
All five are banned from keeping animals for ten years, with the ban expiring in January 2029.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife cruelty and protect badgers from illegal and inhumane activities.
