Man bailed over shock dog attack
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
A 58-YEAR-OLD man who was arrested last week in Banbridge following an investigation into badger baiting and persecution has been released on bail.
The PSNI and USPCA discovered a severely injured Patterdale Terrier breed in outbuildings in Gilford/Laurencetown and a number of searches have since taken place in the area, with four more Terriers being seized.
An extensive haul of the hardware associated with badger persecution, longhandled spades, T bars and the seizure of a vehicle were also discovered during the investigation.
David Wilson, of the USPCA, said the rescued dog was in 'a terrible state', adding: "It had very bad facial injuries, and suffered typical badgering wounds around its mouth, with teeth taken away and missing chunks of flesh."
Mr Wilson continued to describe the dogs injuries as "grotesque" and although he could not say if the dog would fully pull through due to the extent of its injuries, he hoped that it would make a good recovery.
He reinforced that the dog will definitely not be going back to badger baiting and that it was in safe hands with the USPCA veterinary team.
Mr Wilson added that Co Down experiences prevalent badger baiting and condemned some people who travel from the cities and treat badger baiting as a cruel weekend sport.
He said nine out of 10 dogs involved in badger baiting are often denied treatment from vets and are frequently thrown into a shed to recover on their own.
Mr Wilson slammed badger baiting, stating that "there are no winners in badger persecution and everybody loses".
The ongoing investigation is part of Operation Meles, a national operation which is aimed at preventing badger persecution.
PSNI Inspector O'Connor condemned the discovery of the injured dog.
He said: "I have investigated a number of animal cruelty cases and the injuries sustained by this dog are some of the worst I have seen."
Stephen Philpott, chief executive of the USPCA, said that badgers and their setts are protected under the law, but still face persecution and die as a result of the reprehensible activities of criminal gangs.
Mr Philpott added that this shows appalling abuse for both the badger and the dog that is used to drag them from their setts.
He said: "The USPCA is committed to protect a series worthy of protection and we regard the successful operation as a breakthrough in our ongoing investigations into a crime that stains our countryside."
Police are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000.
Meanwhile, Councillor Hazel Gamble and Edwin Poots MLA have welcomed the rescue of nine dogs in the Banbridge District Council area in a joint operation between the USPCA and the PSNI.
During the last assembly term Mr Poots MLA who was then Minister of Environment put forward wildlife legislation which enhanced the power of the authorities and increased the sanctions available to the courts for those who engage in this despicable activity.
Councillor Gamble said: "Activity such as badger baiting, dog fighting and cockfighting are depraved acts that may have been acceptable in previous centuries but such cruelty is not welcome in a modern civilised society, and will not be tolerated.
“People who derive pleasure from engaging in such practice should be reported to the authorities and such behaviour needs to be eradicated from our community.
“I would urge any member of the public with any information on any such activity to contact the PSNI."
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