Four badgers have been shot dead in a woodland, sparking an urgent investigation.
Gloucestershire Constabulary have launched a probe after the animals’ bodies were located in Buckland Wood near Tewkesbury on Saturday (21 March).
Initially, three badgers were discovered on a public footpath on the north side of the nature spot. It is believed they had been shot just days earlier.
The Badger Trust and Gloucestershire Badger Group also contacted the police after a fourth badger was found dead nearby. It’s believe this animal had also been shot.
PC Parker, from the Rural Crime Team, said: “Badgers are protected by law and it is a criminal offence to intentionally capture, kill or injure a badger.
“This incident has understandably caused upset for the wildlife community and we want to do all we can to identify those responsible.”
Craig Fellowes MBE, Wildlife Crime Manager and Trainer for the Badger Trust, added: “Badgers in the UK continue to face illegal persecution, despite clear laws prohibiting their shooting unless licensed.
“Badgers are regarded by some as vermin, they are not. They are protected by law; unlawful shooting may result in six months’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine under the Protection of Badgers Act.
“The recent incident in Gloucestershire shows the ongoing challenges for badgers. Anyone with information should contact the police, Badger Trust, or local groups, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
A number of enquiries have been carried out by officers. They are now urging anyone with information to complete the online form, quoting incident 110 of 22 March.
