Badgers shot and killed near Tewkesbury
Police are appealing for information
Police in Gloucestershire are seeking information to identify those responsible for shooting and killing several badgers near Tewkesbury.
Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary's Rural Crime Team received reports on 21st March that three dead badgers were discovered on a public footpath at Buckland Wood in Broadway.
A fourth badger was subsequently found dead in the area, with authorities suspecting that it was killed in a similar manner.
Protected Species
PC Parker from the Rural Crime Team highlighted that badgers are protected by law, making it illegal to intentionally capture, kill, or injure them.
He said: "Badgers are protected by law and it is a criminal offence to intentionally capture, kill or injure a badger.
"This incident has understandably caused upset for the wildlife community and we want to do all we can to identify those responsible."
Call for Information
The Badger Trust and Gloucestershire Badger Group have also been involved in the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Craig Fellowes MBE, Wildlife Crime Manager and Trainer for the Badger Trust, emphasised the challenges facing badgers in the UK from illegal persecution.
He said: "Badgers in the UK continue to face illegal persecution, despite clear laws prohibiting their shooting unless licensed.
"Badgers are regarded by some as vermin, they are not. They are protected by law; unlawful shooting may result in six months’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine under the Protection of Badgers Act.
"The recent incident in Gloucestershire shows the ongoing challenges for badgers. Anyone with information should contact the police, Badger Trust, or local groups, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers."
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the police, the Badger Trust, or local wildlife groups. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers.
A number of enquiries have taken place and officers are now asking anyone with information to complete the following online form quoting incident 110 of 22 March.