Man jailed for killing badger

Thomas Marvell, 25, of Vicars Walk, was sentenced for two charges under the Protection of Badgers Act at Worksop Magistrates’ Court on 20th August.

He was ordered to serve 10 weeks in custody for killing a badger, and six weeks for possession, to run consecutively. He was also banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.

Marvell was prosecuted by the RSPCA following the its ongoing investigations into crimes against badgers.

Warrants were carried out in March at addresses linked to Marvell. A brown terrier called Milo and various pieces of suspected hunting paraphernalia were seized from his home.

A second man, Mel Gibson, of Shrewsbury Road, Worksop, was also investigated. Three dogs were discovered at his home, including one called Smudge who had an untreated septic hole in the side of his face.

The 21-year-old was given a 12 month conditional discharge and banned from keeping dogs for five years at Worksop Magistrates’ Court on 29th August. He was also ordered to pay £150 costs after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to Smudge by failing to get the dog’s injuries treated by a vet.

Chief superintendent Barry Fryer, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “Our investigations into organised animal crime and deliberate animal cruelty are always ongoing. Every day our inspectors are following up more leads.”

“Both Marvell and Gibson are prime examples of what fate is likely to fall on those who think they can get away with turning a blind eye to the law and inflicting terrible suffering on both wildlife and domestic animals.”

“Our officers are constantly digging further into the cruel and murky world of animal crime. Anyone who thinks they are getting away with it might soon find themselves getting a knock on the door from the RSPCA.”

Inspector Steve Cartwright said these prosecutions should send out a message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.

“We are very lucky in Worksop to live in a rural district boasting some beautiful natural attractions. These locations are home to an array of flora and fauna and they should be treated with respect and consideration,” he said.

“While wildlife and pets may not be able to speak of the pain they suffer at the hands of people, stringent mechanisms are in place to try to protect them. We work very closely with our partner agencies, such as the RSPCA, to bring individuals like Thomas Marvell and Mel Gibson to justice, and in turn send out a clear message that such cruel behaviour will not be tolerated.”

If you suspect someone of being cruel to their pets or know of anyone using their animals in the hunting of wildlife, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

The RSPCA is hoping to re-home the dogs in this case. If you are interested in adopting a dog or cat, visit the South Yorkshire Animal Centre Bawtry. For more visit www.rspca.org.uk/home