Hampshire Constabulary are appealing for information after 20 badger setts in Niton were disturbed with poison poured down the holes in what is believed to be an attempt to kill the animals.
A local badger action group discovered the shocking situation behind Boxers Lane this morning (Thursday) and alerted Police, who are now working with the action group and the RSPCA to investigate the attack.
PC Nick Massey, the Island’s Wildlife crime officer, said:
“Badgers are a protected species and it is an offence to kill them and also interfere with badger setts. It is also an offence to lay any poison on any land. We want to hear from anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity in this area or near to any badger sett.”
RSPCA Inspector Mark Buggie added:
“There’s no doubt in my mind this was a deliberate act of cruelty.
“It was the largest amount of poison I have ever seen – there was buckets of the stuff dumped at the entrance of these setts. We have spent most of the afternoon digging this poison away to make sure the area is not only safe for the badgers in the area, but also the people dogs and children who frequent the footpath.
“The poison could have caused a horrible and incredibly painful death, involving a lot of internal bleeding and pain.
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“We urge anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward and let either us or the police know.”
Anyone with information should contact PC Massey at Shanklin police station on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
