Badger baiting broadcast live for online gambling

BADGER baiting is being streamed live for online gambling, leading to a rise in wildlife crime, animal conservationists have warned.

A report by the Wildlife and Countryside Link, which includes the RSPCA, the Wildlife Trusts and the WWF, found that crimes against badgers rose by 20 per cent from 2016 to 2017, a total of 740 incidents. But although 99 cases were referred to the police, just five people were convicted.

Overall wildlife crime in Britain rose nine per cent during the period, but convictions dropped by two thirds to just nine individuals from a total of 1,283 incidents.

Wildlife experts said the conviction rate was “appallingly low”, blaming a lack of police resourcing and inadequate penalties, and said that the internet was fuelling the problem.

The report’s authors said that crimes such as badger baiting can be livestreamed and bet upon, while gangs and individuals who take part in illegal activities like shooting and lamping can easily arrange their meetings via social media and websites.

Paul de Ornellas, chief wildlife adviser at the WWF, said: “The illegal trade in wildlife is not just a problem affecting other parts of the world – but as the wildlife crime report shows, it’s also right here on our doorsteps, with online trade an emerging threat.”

The report showed that crimes against bats and birds of prey rose by 30 per cent last year, from 301 reported cases in 2016 to 392 in 2017. For birds of prey, the highest reported incidents were of shooting and poisoning. The top crimes against bats included the destruction of roosts for property development and felling of trees which provide shelter. Developers were also found to be responsible for harming amphibians and reptiles.

Guy Shorrock, senior investigations officer at the RSPB, said: “The true scale of harm people are causing to our protected species is hidden due to most incidents going unreported or undetected, and the difficulties in bringing about successful prosecutions.

“It is scandalous that so few criminals are brought to justice. We must speak up for wildlife that can’t speak for itself.”