A wildlife poisoning investigation is underway in Northwood after 2 badgers were found dead in suspicious circumstances – and a local dog owner reported a historic poisoning incident in the same area.
In April last year, Badger Trust Isle of Wight (BTIOW) was alerted to a deceased badger found within an enclosed water pumping station in Northwood, between Medham and the County Showground. The animal had been visible for several days. Southern Water arranged access, and BTIOW attended alongside staff to retrieve the animal’s body.
The badger showed no signs of trauma or injury, sparking concern. Friends of the Animals arranged for a vet assessment, which confirmed there were no broken bones, but internal decomposition ruled out further testing.
Less than 3 weeks later, BTIOW responded to another badger found nearby, this time alive but in severe distress underneath garden decking. The female badger was placed into a cage and rushed to the vet, but sadly died on arrival.
Recalling that incident in May, Graham Lee from BTIOW has said:
“It was a very emotional trip to the vets with the haunting sound of this badger screaming in pain in the back of the car. She sadly died as we pulled into the car park of the vets.”
An X-ray revealed fluid in the abdomen, suggesting possible poisoning. Natural England’s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary were informed, and the badger was stored in a vet’s freezer before being transported to the mainland for testing.
Tissue samples were later taken for toxicology. However, months passed without updates. Then, in September, BTIOW was told the TB results were negative.
Now, 8 months down the line, the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme has confirmed that rodenticide was found in the badger’s system and are therefore now investigating further.
Graham has said:
“Eight months have gone by, and it’s an unacceptable and frustrating delay into this investigation. Using poison is cruel, barbaric and it will cause horrible suffering to both wildlife and pets. There have been at least two badgers poisoned, plus one dog. We have also seen missing cat posters along the footpath in this area so they too may have succumbed to the poison.
“Please keep your eyes open for suspicious activity in the area between Medham Farm Lane and the IW County Show Ground. Also keep a close eye on your pets. The person who is laying this poison doesn’t care what they kill.”
A local dog owner responded to a social media appeal, saying her pet had previously been poisoned in the same area, naming the exact location of where the first badger was discovered. Her dog thankfully survived after emergency treatment.
BTIOW will be assisting the ongoing investigation and will soon be working with Friends of the Animals to deliver leaflets and speak to dog walkers in the area.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to intentionally harm or kill protected species, including badgers, or to use poisons or other methods that could do so. Furthermore, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it a criminal offence to wilfully kill, injure or take a badger or use poisons with the intent to harm badgers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact BTIOW in confidence. Details will be passed to the relevant authorities. Badger Trust Isle of Wight can be contacted via their website www.badgertrust-isleofwight.co.uk or through their Facebook page.
Omg, poor badgers when they catch the sicko whose done this poison him. Disgusting human being. Name and shame when caught because you will be!
But that’s the trouble…rodenticide can cause secondary poisoning. Any animal that inadvertently eats the carcass of a poisoned rat or mouse will also die. While some species are ‘protected’ while others are not has never made any sense to me. It’s a disgustingly horrible death whatever the species. Ban the bloody stuff. If humans seriously can’t find ways to limit their rubbish or maintain their houses to not encourage rats or mice they have a troublesome lack of intelligence, and other species (badgers, dogs, cats etc) will be paying the price.
You display an astonishing ignorance regarding rat infestations. In any situation where livestock are present, from cattle to chickens, rats will be present. All that can be done is to restrict populations to manageable levels and poisoned bait, dispensed from sealed containers, is the only way to achieve this. Free range food production, now very much the direction of travel, will exacerbate the problem further.
There are so many sick bastards in the world.