TWO Cumbria brothers have been convicted of “wilfully killing a badger” following a trial at the city’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court.

Both Dale Rickerby, 28, and Michael James Rickerby, 32, had pleaded not guilty to jointly committing that offence at Holme Lane, Aglionby, near Carlisle, on October 15 last year but they were convicted after an all-day trial.

Dale Rickerby was also convicted of two additional offences, committed on the same day and in the same place.

The first of these was causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a bull lurcher type dog called Bronson by setting the dog on to the badger; and the second offence was failing to ensure the welfare of the same dog.

He did this, the court heard, by failing to take reasonable steps to protect the dog from pain, suffering and injury in its encounters with other animals.

After hearing several hours of evidence, District Judge John Temperley found both men guilty of the offences they were charged with.

The District Judge ordered that background pre-sentence reports should be prepared on both men before they are sentenced. He set the date for sentencing as December 15. The prosecution was brought by the RSPCA.

The brothers were granted unconditional bail until that day.

Badgers and their setts (tunnels and chambers where they live) are protected by law. It is an offence to intentionally kill or injure a badger. Offenders can be jailed for up to six months and get an unlimited fine.

Fore more information about badgers and the law, check out the RSPCA website page on this issue at this link.