HARTLEPOOL BADGER BAITERS CLINT DODD, MICHAEL DODD, DANIEL JOYCE AND CONNOR POUNDER CAUGHT IN NORTH YORKSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
Hartlepool Animal Abuser
A group of individuals from Hartlepool, including brothers Clint Dodd and Michael Dodd, along with their accomplices Daniel Joyce and Connor Pounder, have been convicted of serious wildlife crimes involving badger persecution. The offenders, all residents of Hartlepool, appeared in court after being found guilty of multiple offences under the Badger Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
These individuals were caught in the act of interfering with a known badger sett in the village of Hovingham, North Yorkshire, on January 11, 2019. Their illegal activities came to light after a vigilant member of the public observed a group of men near the badger sett and promptly reported the incident to North Yorkshire Police. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered four of the men actively digging around the badger sett and using a tracker device to locate a dog inside the burrow.
The police found that the group was engaged in illegal badger baiting, a cruel practice that involves forcing dogs into badger dens to hunt or harm the animals. During the investigation, it was revealed that the group was using a Jagd Terrier named Brock, a breed known for its hunting prowess, to facilitate their illegal activities. Brock was found to have sustained severe facial injuries, including wounds to his face and muzzle, ulcerations to his eyes, and an untreated eye infection. The dog was subsequently treated by local veterinarians and is now expected to be rehomed.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this case was the use of Brock to send into the badger sett, highlighting the cruelty involved. The offenders’ actions not only caused suffering to the badgers but also inflicted injuries on the dog involved in the baiting.
Among those involved, Connor Pounder was identified as a key figure. North Yorkshire Police’s Inspector Kevin Kelly, who heads the national Badger Persecution Priority Delivery Group (BPPDG), emphasized the seriousness of the crime. He stated, “I took on this role because I’m serious about badger crime and I hope this sentencing result sends a clear message that badger persecution will not be tolerated. You interfere with badger sets, you receive a custodial sentence – it’s as simple as that.”
Inspector Kelly also praised the quick action of the member of the public who reported the disturbance, underscoring the importance of vigilance in combating wildlife crime. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of wildlife crime officers, expert witnesses, and the Crown Prosecution Service in securing convictions.
Michael Dodd, one of the convicted individuals, was already serving a suspended sentence for driving while disqualified. As a result, he was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison for his involvement in this case. Clint Dodd, Daniel Joyce, and Connor Pounder each received a 10-week suspended prison sentence, along with orders to pay court costs. All four were disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for five years and were barred from entering North Yorkshire for 12 months.
Additionally, Shaun Brown, a fifth member of the group from Hartlepool, failed to attend court. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was later given a suspended sentence. The judge noted that Brown’s dog appeared uninjured and was not used in baiting, which influenced the decision not to ban him from keeping animals.
The case was also supported by the RSPCA, with Inspector and National Wildlife Officer Coordinator Geoff Edmond commenting on the importance of the investigation. He stated, “The RSPCA works very closely with North Yorkshire Police to achieve best practice when investigating rural and wildlife crime. Significant results are now being seen in the courts. Brock has recovered from his ordeal and will be rehomed.”
This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat illegal badger baiting and wildlife cruelty in the UK. It sends a strong message that such crimes will be met with strict legal consequences, and highlights the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies in protecting wildlife from cruelty and persecution.
These individuals were caught in the act of interfering with a known badger sett in the village of Hovingham, North Yorkshire, on January 11, 2019. Their illegal activities came to light after a vigilant member of the public observed a group of men near the badger sett and promptly reported the incident to North Yorkshire Police. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered four of the men actively digging around the badger sett and using a tracker device to locate a dog inside the burrow.
The police found that the group was engaged in illegal badger baiting, a cruel practice that involves forcing dogs into badger dens to hunt or harm the animals. During the investigation, it was revealed that the group was using a Jagd Terrier named Brock, a breed known for its hunting prowess, to facilitate their illegal activities. Brock was found to have sustained severe facial injuries, including wounds to his face and muzzle, ulcerations to his eyes, and an untreated eye infection. The dog was subsequently treated by local veterinarians and is now expected to be rehomed.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this case was the use of Brock to send into the badger sett, highlighting the cruelty involved. The offenders’ actions not only caused suffering to the badgers but also inflicted injuries on the dog involved in the baiting.
Among those involved, Connor Pounder was identified as a key figure. North Yorkshire Police’s Inspector Kevin Kelly, who heads the national Badger Persecution Priority Delivery Group (BPPDG), emphasized the seriousness of the crime. He stated, “I took on this role because I’m serious about badger crime and I hope this sentencing result sends a clear message that badger persecution will not be tolerated. You interfere with badger sets, you receive a custodial sentence – it’s as simple as that.”
Inspector Kelly also praised the quick action of the member of the public who reported the disturbance, underscoring the importance of vigilance in combating wildlife crime. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of wildlife crime officers, expert witnesses, and the Crown Prosecution Service in securing convictions.
Michael Dodd, one of the convicted individuals, was already serving a suspended sentence for driving while disqualified. As a result, he was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison for his involvement in this case. Clint Dodd, Daniel Joyce, and Connor Pounder each received a 10-week suspended prison sentence, along with orders to pay court costs. All four were disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for five years and were barred from entering North Yorkshire for 12 months.
Additionally, Shaun Brown, a fifth member of the group from Hartlepool, failed to attend court. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was later given a suspended sentence. The judge noted that Brown’s dog appeared uninjured and was not used in baiting, which influenced the decision not to ban him from keeping animals.
The case was also supported by the RSPCA, with Inspector and National Wildlife Officer Coordinator Geoff Edmond commenting on the importance of the investigation. He stated, “The RSPCA works very closely with North Yorkshire Police to achieve best practice when investigating rural and wildlife crime. Significant results are now being seen in the courts. Brock has recovered from his ordeal and will be rehomed.”
This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat illegal badger baiting and wildlife cruelty in the UK. It sends a strong message that such crimes will be met with strict legal consequences, and highlights the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies in protecting wildlife from cruelty and persecution.