Derbyshire: Police appeal after badgers caught in illegal snares

On December 15, police received reports of three badgers trapped in illegally placed snares in a field east of the industrial estate near Pilsley Road, Clay Cross.

Illegally placed snares have also been discovered in land near Lower Pilsley and officers have recovered the devices from both scenes.

Badgers have full protection under the Protection of Badgers Act, which makes it an offence to intentionally capture, kill or injure a badger, or interfere with badger setts.

Police investigating these incidents would like to hear from anyone who might be able to help provide more information.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to a man who was seen riding a quad bike in the area around the date and would encourage this man to come forward.

Irene Brierton, Chair of the Mid-Derbyshire Badger Group, said: “The badgers caught in these snares suffered horribly, in the most traumatic circumstances. I strongly urge anyone with knowledge of any crime being perpetrated against badgers to pass on any information they may have.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting incident number 281 of 15/12/2014. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Additionally, anyone who witnesses or has any other information relating to any form of wildlife crime, including badger incidents, should contact police immediately.