Badgers In Need Of Help

Badgers & The Law

Badgers and their setts are protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (where full details can be found). This protection resulted from historic persecution of badgers, particularly where badgers were dug out and then baited by dogs (badger baiting). Badgers are not protected because they are endangered.

It is illegal to kill, injure, take or ill-treat a badger, or attempt to. It is also illegal to damage, destroy, block/obstruct a badger sett, cause a dog to enter a sett or disturb a badger in a sett.

A badger sett – means any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger.

There are provisions within the legislation which allows the issue of a licence which effectively makes an otherwise illegal activity lawful. Such licenses have to be fully justified and applied against stringent conditions.

The Group is fully conversant with the legislation and able to help and advise where requested. We assist the Police with investigations and provide expert witness statements.

Badger Rescue

20% of calls made to the 24/7 Helpline relate to badgers needing rescue. The Group has a number of fully trained volunteers who are able to respond to these emergency calls for help. They rescue badgers injured on our roads or as a result of persecution, orphaned or lost cubs and badgers that are debilitated.

We work very closely with Secret World Wildlife Rescue who play a major part in the on-going care, rehabilitation and release of the badgers we rescue. We also rely on veterinary practices for immediate emergency care when badgers are badly injured.

Our volunteer rescuers are trained to handle and transport badgers safely to ensure rescued badgers have the best chance of survival and to ensure that their own safety and safety of others is not compromised.

If you find an injured or orphaned badger please call our 24/7 helpline:

Unless asked to do so, do not approach the badger but instead wait and observe from a distance.
If the badger is causing an obstruction on the road, if you can safely warn other road users but do not put yourself at any risk.
If the badger moves away, do not try to prevent it, instead watch where it goes and try to stay close by so rescuers can be shown its location.

Badger Persecution

The Group is dismayed at the levels of badger and other wildlife persecution that persists in both our countryside and urban areas. In many cases domestic pets suffer at the hands of the perpetrators.

Reports of badgers being shot, snared, poisoned and gassed, and damage to and blocking of setts are unfortunately a regular occurrence.

Things to look out for and report.

Snares and other traps set near badger setts or on badger runs.
People with dogs and guns, and powerful lamps out at night.
People with dogs and spades out in the daytime.
Coloured pellets or food at or near badger setts.
Setts blocked with all sorts of materials and/or spade marks at the entrance with compacted soil.
Mechanical excavators or farm vehicles near to badger setts.

If you believe a crime is being committed contact the Police by dialling 999. To report suspected crime or evidence contact the Police using the 101 number.

If you need help contact the Group on our helpline and please let us know if you have contacted the Police.

People In Need Of Help

Are badgers causing you some concern?
Do you need help with a problem caused by badgers?
Are badgers digging up your lawn?
Would you like to know more about badgers?
Would you like to get more involved?

For free advice call our Helpline 24/7 07850 604585.