Cotswolds – three badgers found dead as police investigate

Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary’s rural crime team are appealing for information after several badgers were shot and killed near Tewkesbury.

Police were contacted on Saturday, March 21 with a report that three dead badgers had been found on the public footpath at Buckland Wood in Broadway.

The exact location where the badgers were found is the footpath that runs along the north side of Buckland Wood and it is believed they had been shot just days earlier.

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The Badger Trust and Gloucestershire Badger Group also contacted police to report that a fourth badger was found dead nearby and officers believe the animal was also shot.

PC Parker from the rural crime team 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.”

Craig Fellowes, wildlife crime manager and trainer for the Badger Trust added: “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.”