Police release shocking images of badgers shot dead in rural Derbyshire village

Police from the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team released two shocking images of the animals, believed to have all been shot and then left in fields in Chinley, High Peak.

The badgers were shot at around 10.20pm on April 17, just off Maynestone Road and two of the dead animals were left in the same field next to a public footpath before officers found them.

It is an offence to wilfully kill, injure or take a badger under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

Officers are urging anyone who was in the Chinley area at the time and has dash cam footage while driving through the village to get in touch as soon as possible.

In a post on Facebook, the force said: “First day back and the first job within minutes of starting work was this.

"If anyone was in the area at the time and has any Dash Cam footage whilst driving through please get in touch you might have driven past the people responsible for this illegal killing of a protected species.”

In response to the police post, Brenda Wharton commented: “This is so very sad to see these beautiful animals being treated in this way.

"Right now I'm ashamed to be human.

"I hope who done this is caught and brought to justice.”

Anyone who has information about the shootings should call the force on 101, quote crime number 21*212071 or ask to speak to PC 2581 from the rural crime team.

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