A member of Manchester Hunt Saboteurs was nearly killed by badger baiters in the Little Lever area of Bolton last night. The sab was checking on badgers when he disturbed a gang of five thugs digging out a known badger sett.
He was then set upon, viciously beaten, and left for dead. It is believed that spades and other digging implements were used in the attack. When he came to, he was thankfully able to make his way back to the road and call friendly locals who rushed to his aid.
The sab is in good spirits but has sustained very serious injuries that will require plastic surgery and dozens of stitches to the head.
Badger baiting – which has been illegal since 1835 – involves badgers being torn apart by multiple dogs. Typically, terriers are sent into a sett to attack the badger underground, while the baiters use spades and crowbars to dig down to the fighting animals. Once the badger is exposed, it is pulled out and set upon by larger dogs. The badger suffers an agonising fight to the death and the dogs, too, frequently sustain terrible injuries.
Manchester Hunt Sabs commented:
“To say we are angry would be an understatement, but we are incredibly proud of the bravery shown by our sab last night. Thanks to him the baiters abandoned their plans and fled the area. This sett will be watched closely from now on.”
HSA Press Officer Lee Moon added:
“As hunt sabs we get used to violence from animal abusers but the savagery of this attack has shocked us. These baiters clearly intended to kill this brave man and he’s extremely lucky to survive. He has our admiration for his bravery and we’re frankly in awe that he was willing to put himself in such a dangerous position to protect these badgers.
Fox hunters, hare coursers and badger baiters are all cut from the same cloth. They’re people who daily commit acts of violence against wildlife and are equally happy to use violence against those who try and stop them.”
A fundraiser for Manchester Hunt Sabs has been established here: www.gofundme.com
We are the only organisation that works directly in the field to save wildlife through direct action.
