A man has been arrested after allegedly being caught digging up a badger sett in north Shropshire.
The arrest was made after a joint sting by the RSPCA and Lancashire police.
They were cracking down on what is described as being a “cruel and horrific activity”.
The man, from Lancashire, was discovered with four terrier dogs, digging a sett near Whitchurch.
He fled the scene and was later arrested by the police in Lancashire.
He has now been interviewed and bailed pending further enquiries.
RSPCA Special Operation Unit chief inspector Ian Briggs said: “This arrest is as a result of our ongoing investigations into illegal badger digging.
“We are aware that badger digging is a real problem, one which we are proactively targeting in order to stamp out this cruel and horrific activity.
“Badgers are a protected mammal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, therefore it is a criminal offence to disturb their setts or to purposely kill or injure a badger.
“We urge anyone with information about illegal badger digging activities in their area to contact us.
“Any calls we receive will be treated in strict confidence.”
Constable Duncan Thomas, Lancashire Police wildlife officer, said: “Unfortunately badger baiting is still alive and well in the North of England and within Lancashire we still have badger setts dug regularly.
“We are committed to stamping out this activity,” he added.
Calls can be made in confidence to the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.
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