12 Sep 2007 - Badger baiting probe after deaths

Police believe a gang of badger baiters may be responsible for the deaths of two animals in Fife in recent weeks.

A badger's body was found in woodland at Balcomie Road, Crail, by a rambler on Monday. It follows another find at Castle Walk in the town last month.

Fife Constabulary's wildlife crime officer Mark Maylin described baiting, specially trained dogs being set on badgers, as brutally vicious.

He said the same gang could be responsible for both deaths.

Investigators have appealed to any recent visitors to Denburn Wood in Crail, who saw anyone acting suspiciously, to get in touch with them.

Pc Maylin said: "Following the discovery of this second dead badger in the Crail area, we have launched a joint inquiry with the Scottish SPCA.

"While we are investigating all lines of inquiry, we are also looking at the possibility that badger baiters may be responsible for the deaths of both badgers and the same gang may be behind both deaths.

"And, if badger baiters are to blame, we will do our utmost to bring those responsible to court."

When badgers are the victims of badger baiting - set upon by specially trained dogs - they die a brutal, vicious and painful death."

PC Maylin appealed to anyone who was in Denburn Wood, Crail, recently and who saw anyone with dogs or anyone acting suspiciously to contact Fife Police on 01592 251111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.