CARNAGE IN BURNLEY: CARL HARWOOD'S BRUTAL BADGER BAITING REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Burnley, Carl Harwood, born on 15 April 1995 and residing on Lowerhouse Lane, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty involving illegal badger baiting. The incident, which took place in Burnley, involved the goading of two dogs into attacking a badger, with footage of the savage act captured and circulated among associates.

Police investigations uncovered distressing video evidence on a mobile phone belonging to an unnamed associate of Harwood. The footage, filmed in darkness, shows two dogs, including a 14-month-old bull lurcher named Toby, attacking a badger. The animals are seen biting the badger on its head, throat, and back, while a male voice encourages the dogs to continue their assault. The footage is described as extremely graphic, with the badger screaming in pain and distress throughout the attack.

Further investigation revealed that the dogs, especially Toby, had sustained severe injuries from the attack. Toby was found with over 30 puncture wounds, including 22 scars on the left side of his jaw and head, and nine on the right. Recent scarring and scabbing were also observed beneath his left hind paw and lower leg. Harwood claimed that these injuries resulted from lamping and ratting activities, but the evidence pointed to illegal badger baiting.

On October 19, 2021, RSPCA inspector Lyndsey Taylor, along with the charity’s Special Operations Unit and Lancashire Police’s Ribble Valley Rural Task Force, visited Harwood’s residence. They found Toby being held on a lead in the living room, wearing a collar identical to the one seen in the footage. The dog’s injuries were consistent with the attack, and he was subsequently seized by authorities. Toby was taken into RSPCA care, examined by a veterinarian, microchipped, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and worms.

During court proceedings, inspector Taylor provided a detailed account of the footage. She described how the attack was filmed in the dark, with a bright light illuminating the scene initially. She emphasized the horrific nature of the video, noting the constant sounds of the badger’s screams and the panting of the dogs. She explained that at around eight seconds into the footage, Toby, having lost interest, was called back to rejoin the attack after being encouraged by a male voice.

Inspector Chris Haywood, with 34 years of experience, testified that such injuries are characteristic of attacks by lurchers, bull lurchers, and terriers, and are rarely caused by other means. A veterinarian who examined Toby on October 20, 2022, confirmed that the scars were healed injuries, indicating they had occurred at least four weeks prior. The vet criticized Harwood for failing to seek veterinary care promptly, which could have alleviated the dog’s suffering.

Harwood denied any involvement with badger injury or killing, claiming he did not think the footage was illegal and that he believed Toby did not need veterinary treatment. He also denied that the dog in the footage was his and could not explain discrepancies in the injuries. Despite the evidence, Harwood insisted he saw nothing wrong with the footage, although he acknowledged its illegality.

Harwood was found guilty of violating the Protection of Badgers Act 1991 and admitted to breaching the Animal Welfare Act 2006. District Judge Alexander Boyd condemned his actions, stating, “Setting a dog on a badger to injure it is not a sport, it is wilful cruelty. The fact that you videoed it and kept it on your phone suggests you took pleasure in what you did, making these offences even worse.”

Sentencing included a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, 150 hours of unpaid work, a £500 fine, a three-month curfew from 8 pm to 8 am, and a five-year ban from owning animals, expiring in February 2028. An arrest warrant has been issued for another individual involved in the case.

Inspector Taylor emphasized the cruelty of illegal badger baiting, highlighting the pain, suffering, and death inflicted on animals for the entertainment of participants. She urged anyone with information to report such activities to the RSPCA or local rural crime teams. Toby has since recovered in RSPCA care, with plans for rehoming, although the whereabouts of the other dog involved remain unknown.

In a related development, Harwood’s accomplice, Brandon Lawlor, a failed jockey originally from Ireland, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for his role in the attack and the filming of the incident. Lawlor now resides at 16 Cobden Street, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8DS.