Why Was A Serial Wildlife Criminal Allowed To Strike Again?
Last week former huntsman Sam Staniland pleaded guilty to three animal cruelty offences relating to illegal hunting and animal fighting. Between 2020 and 2023, foxes and badgers were targeted by Staniland in a number of incidents in Essex, with lurchers, patterdale terriers and a foxhound also being injured in the process. He was facing three further charges, but they were dismissed as part of proceedings.