Police seize 17 dogs in Gwynedd in probe into ‘badger persecution’

Police have seized 17 dogs as part of an investigation into reports of badger persecution.

Rural crime team officers executed four search warrants in Caernarfon and Dolgellau on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

The RSPCA was also involved in the operation with some of the dogs found to be in a “very poor condition” and requiring urgent surgery.

Evidence of badger persecution was also found during the searches carried out under the Wildlife and Countryside and Animal Welfare Acts.

In a post on Facebook, members of the rural crime team said: “North Wales Police are committed to working with our partners to tackle badger persecution; a cruel activity which exposes animals to unnecessary suffering.

“Under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, those committing the most serious animal cruelty crimes to a domestic animal in England and Wales can face prosecution with up to 5 years in prison.

“Will it be your door we knock on next?

“Do you have any knowledge of individuals undertaking this cruel activity? If so, contact North Wales Police via 101 or our website, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”