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An undercover operation jointly
undertaken by the Ulster SPCA and journalist, John Mooney from The
Sunday Times has exposed the true horror of badger baiting in Ireland
(Sunday Times 22nd February 09). Because of the secretive nature of
this barbaric practice, infiltration by any ‘outsider’ has, until now
proved almost impossible.
The badger is protected by Irish legislation (The Irish Wildlife Act
1973, amended 2000) and the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife
and Natural Habitats, known as The Berne Convention. Ireland is a
signatory to the latter. Neither has come anyway near giving the
badger the protection it needs.
It is fair to say badger-baiting is mainly a weekend activity, carried
out in every county. Those involved are well known but remain
untouchable. The penalties, if caught, are derisory and prove no
deterrent to the dedicated follower.
The above makes this country a safe haven for visiting animal abusers
who know only too that their chances of being apprehended are next to
nothing. Our wildlife is, after all, part of our inheritance to be
cherished like any other natural treasure. It’s a pity the Irish
Government fails to see it in that light.
WARNING:
The following video shows explicit images that
some may find distressing
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