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Man arrested in animal cruelty probe

Published Wednesday, 01 February 2012

Police have arrested a man and recovered a dog with "severe" facial injuries in Banbridge, as part of a nationwide operation linked to badger baiting.

The arrest is linked to alleged badger baiting. (© UTV)

Raids were carried out in the Co Down town on Wednesday by the PSNI in cooperation with the USPCA.

A severely disfigured dog was recovered.

In a statement, Inspector O'Connor said: "I have investigated a number of cases of animal cruelty. The injuries sustained by this dog are some of the worst I've seen."

The searches, which are ongoing, are part of 'operation Meles', a national operation aimed at preventing badger persecution.

The man who has been arrested is assisting police with their inquiries.

Anyone with information has been asked to pass it on.

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Comments

5 Comments

Sam Brannigan in Belfast wrote (111 days ago):

In response to Avril McClintock!!! I think when there is a case of animal cruelty you should chose your words more carefully.Calling Badgers "wicked",only encourages people to become involved in taking part in badger baiting.Like all wild animals badgers should be left alone.Not have dogs put into their setts.The vast majority of animals including squirrels and foxes will bite if they are handled.It is how they defend themselves!!!!The reason sick people put their dogs against badgers is because badgers do fight back!!!!Learn some about wildlife before you make ill informed comments

oz in ards wrote (112 days ago):

i dont understand how any so called human beings get pleasure watching animals getting tore apart ?sickos in my view, if proven they should be jailed.

sandy1959 in belfast wrote (112 days ago):

this is so sickening, why do these people get soft sentences, dogs are animals but they are living creatures and we have them as pets,one of the family. i suppose he banned from keeping animals (thank god) what about the poor dog??? put him in a kennel with wild dogs as a sentence and seehim suffer - so angry

Avril McClintock in United Kingdom wrote (112 days ago):

Badger's are wicked animals when set upon by a dog. For those who don't know their jaws lock and they just tear the victim. How anyone could set a poor dog, always willing to please its master on one of these, is beyond words. I hope these people are caught and no longer allowed to keep animals of any kind.

honest comment in tyrone wrote (112 days ago):

the lawlords and authorities have to adopt zero tolerance to animal cruelty and this includes using illegal drugs to enhance performance in horse sulky races where illegal gambling is rife.its happening under the authorities noses