Badger and dog fighting trial date

THE TRIAL of six people charged with badger and dog fighting will be heard in the New Year.

Four men and two youths all deny causing unnecessary suffering to a badger during a fight with dogs.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at a farm in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd in February this year.

During a hearing yesterday at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court the case was adjourned for trial on January 8 at Llandudno.

Jordan Alexander Houlston, of Alexandra Road, Llandudno, faces 10 charges in all.

Marc Wyn Morris, of Cwm Bowydd Farm, Blaenau Ffestiniog, denies six charges relating to the alleged incident on February 5 and subsequent care of dogs.

David William Thomas, 51, also of Cwm Bowydd Farm, faces charges of wilfully injuring a badger, taking part in an animal fight and being present at the alleged incident and causing unnecessary suffering to the animal on February 5, 2017.

He also faces charges of keeping premises for use for an animal fight on or before February 8 this year.

Thomas is also accused of causing unnecessary suffering to two foxes by confining the animals in cages in close proximity to dogs before February 8.

He is also accused of failing to ensure two dogs were kept watered, and of exposing six dogs to risk of injury by fighting them with other animals.

Evan Bleddyn Thomas, 52, also of Cwm Bowydd Farm, denies a charge of keeping premises for use for an animal fight.

A 17-year-old youth and a 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, both denied four charges including wilfully injuring a badger at or near Cwm Bowydd Farm on February 5, 2017.

They also deny taking part in an animal fight, being present at the scene and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.