HALIFAX MAN LEE GLADWIN SENTENCED FOR BADGER BAITING CRUELTY IN HALIFAX

Lee Peter Gladwin, born on March 20, 1991, and residing at 11 Myrtle Drive, Halifax HX2 8HQ, has been found guilty of causing severe suffering to two Patterdale terriers through brutal and illegal activities associated with badger baiting. The incident, which took place in Halifax, has drawn significant attention from law enforcement and animal welfare organizations alike.

On April 14, 2022, West Yorkshire Police, in collaboration with the RSPCA special operations unit, executed a warrant at 99 Tewit Lane, Halifax HX2 9SD. During this operation, officers seized two dogs from the premises, both of which were later placed into the care of the RSPCA for urgent veterinary treatment and rehabilitation. The dogs, a female brown Patterdale terrier and a black male Patterdale terrier, had sustained injuries that were consistent with the brutal practice of badger baiting, a cruel and illegal activity that involves fighting and injuring wild badgers.

The female dog exhibited scars on her face and an injury to her lower jaw, while the male also showed facial scarring. Veterinary examinations revealed that both animals had suffered significant trauma, including injuries to their mouths, noses, and lips. The veterinary surgeon who examined the dogs explained that they required dental procedures under general anesthesia to remove broken tooth roots and to treat inflammation and pain with prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.

During court proceedings, it was suggested in mitigation that the injuries might have resulted from fights between the two dogs. However, evidence presented by the prosecution, including expert veterinary testimony, indicated that the injuries were more consistent with trauma inflicted by a badger. The veterinarian detailed that both dogs had sustained substantial wounds to the front of their mouths, noses, and lips, with visible scarring, missing or broken incisor teeth, and signs of bleeding, redness, and swelling at the time of injury.

The veterinarian further explained that the level of pain experienced by the dogs would have been intense and acute, especially during the extraction or breaking of teeth, and that ongoing discomfort was likely due to the broken teeth and associated infections. The female dog’s injuries, including abscessed tooth roots, would have caused additional pain. The veterinarian concluded that the pattern of injuries, including bite marks and extensive facial trauma, strongly indicated that a badger was responsible for the injuries, rather than accidental incidents or fights between the dogs themselves.

Following their rescue, the two dogs received full dental repairs and were initially cared for by foster carers. After being officially signed over to the RSPCA, they were subsequently rehomed to new families, ensuring they would no longer be subjected to cruelty.

In sentencing, Lee Gladwin received a 20-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay a fine of £750 along with a victim surcharge of £128. Additionally, Gladwin was disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for a period of ten years, a measure intended to prevent any future cruelty or illegal activity involving animals in his care.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and animal welfare organizations in combating illegal and inhumane practices such as badger baiting, which remains a serious concern in the Halifax area and beyond.