Many attack dogs die along with badgers

LEICESTERSHIRE Wildlife Hospital’s suspicion that a badger cub was

stolen to train dogs for baiting is shocking and the depths to which some humans can sink is truly alarming (“Badger feared stolen to train dogs for baiting”, Leicester Mercury, August 10).

The culprits are contemptible, cruel and without a conscience but, sadly, there appear to be many such human specimens.

Badger baiting, although illegal, is reported to be a “thriving blood sport” and statistics indicate that incidents of the sickening activity are on the increase.

It is said that the badgers are effectively tortured until they die, but the dogs also suffer injuries. To avoid suspicion of vets, the dogs’ wounds are treated by their owners and many of them die, as well as the badgers.

Some baiters engage in badger baiting just for a perverse pleasure. However, for others the attraction is gambling, often for high stakes. Furthermore, it is reported that badgers are taken or stolen and sold to baiters for as much as £500.

We can only hope that if the unfortunate stolen badger from the hospital was used for bait that she didn’t endure too much suffering. Let us also hope that the cruel criminals who took her are found soon before they can inflict any more harm on innocent animals.

Please support the wildlife hospital’s online appeal to raise funds for repairs and extra security on; gofundme.com/f/ stolen-badger-cub-repair-fund

Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone