To mark National Badger Day today (October 6) Hounslow Police have reminded local residents it is a crime to persecute badgers and badger setts, an offence which in London frequently occurs because of building works.

Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, in England and Wales, badger and badger setts (burrows) are protected and it is an offence to wilfully kill, injure or take a badger (or attempt to do so).

Every year the RSPCA is nevertheless called to investigate many incidents in which badgers have been dug out of their setts, attacked with shovels or sticks, shot, or set upon by powerful dogs. 

Badger digging - a 'sport' carried out to find and kill badgers was outlawed in 1973 but is still happening across the country with groups of 'diggers' who will go out with terrier-type dogs, specifically trained to enter a badger sett. Dogs search underground through tunnels to find and corner a badger, pin it in place, then bark to alert their owners, who will kill the animal themselves or set their dogs on it. 

The RSPCA has seen an alarming shift in the demographic of people who persecute badgers. Where once, diggers tended to be older men who viewed killing badgers as a necessary culling of populations to protect their land, the animal charity says it primarily now investigates and prosecutes "young lands" who "head out with their mates and their dogs [and] boast of their kills in message groups, on social media and in forums".

Crimestoppers said: "While the suffering to the animal - along with the suffering to the dogs, who often receive horrific injuries as they pin, hold or attack the badger, and will rarely be taken for veterinary treatment - is reason alone to tackle this crime, many diggers will also be involved in other rural crime, whether that be trespassing on private land or even theft of farm machinery. It's all seen as a joke, as a bit of fun, as a way to while away the evenings. Groups often travel long distances to carry out their illegal pursuits. 

"Often these lads think they're untouchable, above the law. They flout the law and brag about their crimes in public spaces. We would ask anyone who sees anything suspicious on social media or online to share their concerns with us. We'd also urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity out in the countryside or who comes across a badger sett that has been tampered with (which is also illegal) to contact the RSPCA by calling 0300 1234 999, or seek out your local rural crime team."

In contrast to how badgers are persecuted in rural areas, the bigger threat the wild mammals face in London is building works, which often disturbs or destroys their setts. Hounslow Police has today urged the local community to report badger crime and re-assured the public of the work the Met Wildlife Crime Unit is doing to tackle the issue.

Hounslow Police said: "Today is National Badger Day.

"Met wild life crime unit is working with partners to tackle badger persecution, which in London is frequently linked to badger setts being disturbed/destroyed due to building works.

"Call 101 /999 to report badger crime."