LIAM MORAN'S BRUTAL CRUELTY IN CIMLA: BADGER MAULING AND DOG ABUSE REVEALED

Liam Moran, born on October 1, 1986, and residing on Groves Road in Cimla, Neath, has been convicted of heinous acts of animal cruelty that have shocked the local community and animal welfare organizations alike. The disturbing case came to light after authorities uncovered footage and evidence of Moran's involvement in brutal animal abuse incidents, including the vicious mauling of a badger and the mistreatment of multiple dogs.

According to court records, Moran pleaded guilty to several serious charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, neglecting to protect four dogs from pain, suffering, or injury, and deliberately injuring or ill-treating a badger on four separate occasions. The evidence against him was compelling, with graphic video footage captured on Moran’s mobile phone showing a disturbing scene: two lurchers and two terrier-type dogs attacking a defenseless badger for a full two minutes before Moran himself stabbed the animal to death.

The footage, which was obtained during a raid by RSPCA officers, depicted the brutal attack in graphic detail. The officers, upon executing a search warrant at Moran’s residence, discovered three dogs in the garden bearing scars and scabs, indicative of past injuries and neglect. One of these dogs, a terrier named Josh, was found to be missing an eye and had a healed but severe jaw injury, further evidence of the cruelty inflicted upon these animals.

In addition to the dogs, authorities found a variety of items in sheds at Moran’s property and in the back of his Volkswagen Kangoo van. These included antiseptic products such as Dettol, a blood-stained skin stapler and staples, skin glue, a lamping light, spades, metal bars, and tablets intended to enhance the dogs’ muscle mass and stamina. Prosecutors argued that the presence of first aid supplies was indicative of Moran’s attempt to treat injuries on-site, thereby avoiding veterinary intervention and potential scrutiny.

Further investigation revealed that Moran’s mobile phone contained numerous disturbing video clips and conversations. The messages referenced activities such as digging brocks and 'pigs,' which the prosecution identified as coded language for badgers. These communications, along with the footage, pointed to a pattern of widespread and organized illegal activity involving the hunting and killing of badgers.

Inspectors returned to Moran’s property after viewing the initial footage and discovered additional dogs in the garden, one of which had puncture wounds under its chin. These animals were also seized for examination and care. The court was informed that the badger baiting scene captured on film likely took place in the vicinity of Moran’s property, although the exact location remains unconfirmed.

District Judge Neale Thomas condemned Moran’s actions, dismissing his claim that the badger encounter was accidental. The judge described the incident as a premeditated act of gratuitous cruelty, emphasizing that Moran’s behavior demonstrated 'medieval barbarity' and a level of depravity that was almost beyond belief. The judge characterized Moran’s hunting of badgers as an act of extreme cruelty and moral depravity.

As a result of his convictions, Moran was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was banned from owning dogs for life, and the court ordered the seizure and retention of the seven dogs that had been confiscated during the investigation. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, highlighting the ongoing issue of animal cruelty and illegal hunting activities in the region.