Home   News   Article

UK Badger Crime Priority Delivery Group’s Operation Badger re-launch welcomed in Nottinghamshire

08:57, 06 October 2024

The re-launch of a crime-tackling operation focussed on protecting badgers has been welcomed in Nottinghamshire.

The UK Badger Crime Priority Delivery Group — part of the police-led National Wildlife Crime Unit — is today (October 6) set to re-launch Operation Badger.

It ties in with national badger day, which falls on October 6.

Operation Badger. Photo: Badger Trust
Operation Badger. Photo: Badger Trust

The operation aims to increase awareness of the many types of criminal activity — such as illegal trapping, poisoning, and sett disturbance — that threaten badgers, and to educate and encourage reporting of suspected crimes against badgers.

Erin McDaid, of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, said: “While badgers are one of our most legally protected species in the UK, they are still one of the species most likely to be persecuted.

“Badger populations are under threat from road casualties, with as many as 50,000 badgers killed each year, as well as displacement due to housing and other development.

“On top of these unprecedented pressures, crimes against badgers remain a real problem — so any measures to highlight and reduce badger crime, such as Operation Badger, are to be welcomed.”

As part of the operation’s re-launch, a new short film narrated by wildlife presenter Megan McCubbin will be released today alongside an online information library containing coalition partner links to guides, videos and other materials about badger crime, persecution and how to identify and report crimes against badgers.

DC Aaron Flint, chairman of the Badger Crime Priority Delivery Group, said: “The 6th of October is National Badger Day, a significant day to re-launch Operation Badger, which aims to increase awareness of the many types of criminal activity that threaten badgers and to educate and encourage reporting of suspected crimes against them.

“The Badger Crime PDG has produced a short film to showcase the many forms of badger persecution and to encourage members of the public to identify and report offences they find. We urge police and partners to share this video widely to educate and inform the public and to actively participate in Operation Badger.”

Peter Hambly, chief executive of Badger Trust, and coalition partner of Operation Badger added: “We support Operation Badger as badgers need our protection now more than ever. Crimes against badgers must be reported, so we can help get successful prosecutions of these despicable criminals who needlessly kill and harm badgers.”

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More