BRANDON LAWLOR FROM BURNLEY INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC BADGER BAITING INCIDENT

Brandon Lawlor, a resident of Burnley, has been convicted of a disturbing wildlife crime involving the illegal baiting and fighting of a badger. Born on December 29, 1999, Lawlor’s address is listed as Lowerhouse Lane, Rose Grove, Burnley BB12 6HZ. The case against him was brought to light after authorities uncovered footage that vividly depicted him goading two dogs into attacking a badger, an act that is both illegal and morally reprehensible.

Lawlor, who is of Irish Traveller descent and has a background as a jockey, was employed by Sue Smith Racing before his arrest. The investigation was initiated after police discovered the incriminating video on his mobile phone on August 13, 2021, during an unrelated inquiry. The footage, recorded in June 2021 in Burnley, showed Lawlor encouraging two dogs to attack a badger, with one of the dogs, a 14-month-old bull lurcher named Toby, visibly injured from the attack. The video was described by an RSPCA inspector as “very difficult to watch and to listen to,” highlighting the brutality of the scene.

In the footage, the dogs can be seen attacking the badger on its head, throat, and back, while a male voice can be heard urging them on. The badger’s screams of pain and distress are audible throughout the recording, which was filmed in the dark with a bright light illuminating the animals at times. The footage captures the moment when Toby, having lost interest, is called back into the attack with commands like “here Toby, Toby get it, get it,” after which he re-joins the fight.

Following the discovery of the footage, authorities, including RSPCA inspector Lyndsey Taylor, Lancashire Police’s Ribble Valley rural task force, and the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, visited Lawlor’s residence in October 2021. During their visit, they found Toby being held on a lead in the living room. The dog bore a significant scar along the top of his head, along with 22 puncture wounds on the left side of his jaw and nine on the right, all consistent with injuries caused by badger baiting. Additional recent injuries, including scabbing and scarring under Toby’s left hind paw and lower leg, indicated ongoing suffering.

Lawlor’s accomplice, Carl Harwood, who was present at the scene, claimed that the injuries to Toby resulted from lamping and ratting activities, but the evidence suggested otherwise. The police seized Toby for veterinary examination, and the vet confirmed that the scars and injuries were consistent with close contact with a badger, and had healed over at least four weeks prior to the examination. Inspector Taylor described the footage as “horrific,” noting that the badger was visibly in pain and distress, with the dogs panting and attacking relentlessly. She also pointed out that Lawlor and Harwood made no effort to control the dogs during the attack.

In court, Lawlor pleaded guilty to a charge under the Protection of Badgers Act 1991. His case was heard at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on September 21, 2023, where he admitted to the offence. The prosecution highlighted that Lawlor’s actions were part of a long-standing illegal activity known as badger baiting, a practice condemned for its cruelty and illegality. The court was informed that Lawlor had a prior arrest warrant, and the evidence was compelling enough to secure a conviction.

During the proceedings, the court heard from Inspector Taylor, who described the distressing footage and the injuries sustained by Toby. She emphasized the cruelty involved and the failure of Lawlor and Harwood to intervene during the attack. The vet’s report confirmed that Toby’s injuries were caused by close contact with a badger, and that the wounds had healed over a period of at least four weeks, indicating the animal had suffered for some time without proper care.

Lawlor, who had previously been a jockey and had come to Burnley from Ireland after his career was cut short due to injury, expressed remorse for his actions. He acknowledged that badger baiting was abhorrent and issued an apology during the court hearing. Toby was taken into the care of the RSPCA, while the whereabouts of the second dog involved remain unknown.

Following sentencing, Inspector Taylor commented on the case, stating, “This case has taken a long time to conclude but I’m pleased that both men who were involved in this case have been held to account for their actions. Illegal badger baiting causes significant pain, suffering, and distress to the animals involved, and it is a practice that must be eradicated. We urge anyone with information about similar incidents to report them to the RSPCA or their local rural crime team.”

As for Harwood, he was sentenced in February 2023 to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and was disqualified from keeping animals for five years. Lawlor’s sentencing for his role in this incident resulted in an eight-week jail term. The case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat wildlife cruelty and protect vulnerable animals from such barbaric activities in Burnley and beyond.