Badger baiting probe after deaths

Badgers are targeted by baiters using dogs

Police believe a gang of badger baiters may be responsible for the deaths of two animals in Fife in recent weeks.

A badger's body was found in woodland at Balcomie Road, Crail, by a rambler on Monday. It follows another find at Castle Walk in the town last month.

Fife Constabulary's wildlife crime officer Mark Maylin described baiting, specially trained dogs being set on badgers, as brutally vicious.

He said the same gang could be responsible for both deaths.

Investigators have appealed to any recent visitors to Denburn Wood in Crail, who saw anyone acting suspiciously, to get in touch with them.

Pc Maylin said: "Following the discovery of this second dead badger in the Crail area, we have launched a joint inquiry with the Scottish SPCA.

"While we are investigating all lines of inquiry, we are also looking at the possibility that badger baiters may be responsible for the deaths of both badgers and the same gang may be behind both deaths.

"And, if badger baiters are to blame, we will do our utmost to bring those responsible to court."