Badger-baiting

The badger is a usually quiet and docile creature in its own domain; however, when cornered or threatened it can show great courage.

In addition, badgers have extremely powerful claws, used for digging in hard earth, which are more than capable of injuring a dog.

Today, baiters often refrain from taking injured dogs to veterinarians as the doctor might understand what has taken place and report the owners to the police.

The badger's long front claws may be filed off; the canine teeth may be pulled out; the animal's limbs or jaw may be broken with a shovel.

[7][8][9] When the badger can no longer fight, it is killed by the baiters using methods such as shooting, stabbing, or beating to death with a shovel.

If convicted, a person may face a sentence of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and other punitive measures, including, but not limited to: community service and a ban from owning a dog.

In February 2009, The Sunday Times reported that badger-baiting is practised by "hardcore terrier men" who are internationally organized.

The report led to a police operation in Northern Ireland in which a number of dogs were seized, but no arrests were made.

[14] Criminal gangs, among them Northern Irish paramilitaries, have been reported to sell badgers for up to £700 to fight with dogs.