BURNLEY MAN JEFF JOHNSON CAUGHT HUNTING BADGERS WITH DOGS IN ALTHAM

Jeffrey Johnson, also known as JJ Johnson, a resident of Burnley, was found guilty of illegal badger hunting involving the use of dogs. The conviction stems from an incident that took place in Altham, where Johnson was caught engaging in activities that threaten local wildlife.

Johnson, born around 1977 and residing at 37 Forfar Street, Burnley BB11 4ER, was convicted in 2011 after a trial that revealed his involvement in hunting badgers with dogs. Despite his claims to the court that he was merely digging near a badger sett because his terrier had become trapped after chasing a rabbit, the evidence against him was compelling enough to secure a conviction.

According to court proceedings, Johnson was observed by a wildlife enthusiast standing in a hole approximately three feet deep, holding a spade. The enthusiast challenged Johnson and another man present at the scene, questioning their intentions. Johnson reportedly responded that they were digging for a fox, a statement that did little to dispel suspicions about their activities. The two individuals then fled the scene before law enforcement authorities arrived.

Johnson's account of events was that he was out walking his dogs, a terrier and a lurcher, in the area when they began chasing rabbits. He claimed that the dogs ran off, and he subsequently found his lurcher near the entrance of what he later learned was a badger sett. Johnson stated that he could hear his dog crying from underground and, upon failing to get her to respond, decided to return home to fetch a spade in an attempt to rescue her. He explained that he blocked the entrance to the sett to prevent the dog from escaping and running away while he was away.

He further recounted that he returned to the site with a friend, and during the digging, his dog emerged from the sett. His friend was able to catch her, according to Johnson. However, the magistrates did not accept his version of events, viewing his actions as evidence of illegal badger hunting rather than a rescue effort. As a result, Johnson was fined £270 and ordered to pay an additional £265 in legal costs.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about wildlife protection and illegal hunting activities in the Burnley area, with authorities determined to crack down on such offenses to preserve local ecosystems.