Fines for badger sett interference in Romney Marsh

Two men have been fined a combined £1,600 after a Rural Task Force investigation showed they had illegally interfered with a badger sett in Romney Marsh.

Kent Police attended land near Brookland on Sunday 22 January 2023 following concerns an active badger sett had been disturbed during land clearance.

An investigation was carried out which established that setts had been dug out without a licence from Natural England or ecological report. Wildlife deterrent devices had also been placed facing into the holes.

Following non-custodial interviews, two men from Romney Marsh were charged with interference with a badger sett under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

Fines

They were convicted of the offence at Folkestone Magistrates' Court and each fined £800 and each ordered to pay further costs of £650 on Wednesday 11 September 2024.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of the Rural Task Force, said:

'The law to protect badgers is in place for a good reason and we are committed to enforcing that law to protect the species. 'The scene of this incident showed the impact the groundwork had on the badger sett and it was right that these two men were held responsible for their actions.'

The Rural Task Force act to tackle a number of wildlife crimes, with officers recently patrolling areas known for hare coursing.

They have also been carrying out work with the Environment Agency and Angling Trust investigating theft of fish and liaising with the RSPCA over dog welfare concerns.

For more information on wildlife crime, click here.