Badgers' Sett under threat

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information following a recent Badger Sett disturbance in the Settle area.

The information was passed to the police from a member of the public who had noticed that the sett had been dug and then the soil and grass replaced in an attempt to hide the disturbance.

Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Vanessa Bateson, who is investigating the incident, said: "It is hard to believe in this day and age that this activity still goes on. I am appealing for help to detect and identify the offenders. Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital."

The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 states it is an offence to wilfully kill, injure, ill treat, or take a badger. It is also an offence to damage or destroy a badger sett, obstruct access to the sett, cause a dog to enter the sett or disturb a badger when it is occupying the sett.

The penalty for these offences is six months imprisonment and / or a maximum fine of £5,000.

PC Bateson added: "People who commit crimes like this are likely to be involved in other criminal activity, therefore it is essential that these people are stopped. I urge anybody who has knowledge of this or any badger sett disturbance to come forward and inform police, this can be done anonymously by telephoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111".

If anyone has information that could help help the investigations, please contact PC1014 Vanessa Bateson, the Craven Wildlife Crime Officer, on 0845 60 60 247 or email vanessa.bateson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk