Badger Baiting

Badger baiting is a blood sport offense in which a badger, typically dug or drawn out of its sett, is set upon by dogs, usually resulting in the badger's death and serious injuries to the dogs. It has been prohibited in the United Kingdom since the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835, with later legislation, including the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, specifically criminalizing badger cruelty and interference with badger setts; a conviction under the 1992 act can bring up to six months imprisonment, fines of up to five thousand pounds, community service, and a ban on owning dogs. In Ireland, badgers received similar protection under the Wildlife Act 1976 and its 2000 amendment. Despite nearly two centuries of prohibition, the practice is documented as continuing clandestinely in Britain and Ireland.