A farmer who had been a master of foxhounds has been jailed after he and a hunt terrier man were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a badger and other animal welfare offences.
It followed an RSPCA probe into badger baiting and animal fighting at a Snowdonia farm.
David Thomas, 51, who was described as joint owner of Cwm Bowydd Farm, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a badger by causing it to fight with dogs.
He was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two foxes by keeping them caged close to dogs, causing the foxes to be terrified, and other animal welfare allegations.
A probation officer said Thomas, who was jailed for 22 weeks, had been a huntsman for 32 years and a master of foxhounds (of the Dwryryd Hunt).
District judge Gwyn Jones at Llandudno court said the evidence was “overwhelming”, but Thomas had “hotly contested” the case.
He must pay £5,000 costs and was disqualified from having dogs for eight years.
The judge said the offences occurred on his land.
Jordan Houlston, 24, of Alexandra Road, Llandudno, the hunt terrier man, was convicted by the district judge of ill-treating a badger, and unnecessary suffering by causing a badger to fight with dogs at Cwm Bowydd Farm last February.
He was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to four dogs and failing to meet the welfare needs of seven dogs.
A probation officer said he continued to deny involvement.
He was jailed for 20 weeks, banned from owning dogs for eight years, and ordered to pay £715 costs.
Marc Wyn Morris, 26, of Jones Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, pleaded guilty to wilfully injuring a badger, being present at an animal fight and causing unnecessary suffering to a badger by causing it to fight with a dog.
He received a 10-week suspended prison term and has to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and pay £615 costs. The disqualification from owning dogs was for four years.
A boy of 17 admitted being present at an animal fight and received a 10-month referral order.
He must pay £220 costs and was banned from owning or keeping dogs for four years.
“His involvement is much less than the others,” said defence solicitor Graham Parry.
The court had heard how artificial badger setts were found at the farm along with seven skulls, possibly those of foxes or badgers.
Judge Jones said pipes were used to hold captive animals and dogs brought to a copse to fight.
He said video footage showed badger baiting, which had been illegal since the 19th century.
A badger had been brought to the area in advance and arrangements made for dogs to chase and injure the animal.
“Fortunately, we didn’t see how the badger was ultimately killed,” said the judge.
“But it’s quite clear the death would have been slow and no doubt extremely painful.
“That activity would also have had an adverse impact on the dogs.”
Two setts had been created for an unlawful purpose, the court heard.
“This was a deliberate and planned venture to cause suffering to an animal,” said Judge Jones.
“Mr Thomas and Mr Houlston played a leading role.”
Boarding costs for the seized dogs were £113,000, the prosecution said.
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Source: Daily Post
