Badger Baiting Is Illegal in the UK, But These Hunters Still Subjected Their Dog to Horrific Injuries

A Patterdale terrier named Snickers was found abandoned in Smallfield, Surrey in the U.K. at the beginning of August, and Care2 has launched a petition to ensure this never happens again. Just to look at her was heartbreaking. The dog was in a shocking condition, her small body covered in wounds so severe it was difficult to imagine what caused them. Her rescuers, however, knew what brought about the horrific injuries. Snickers was apparently being used as illegal bait for badgers. She was sent down a badger hole to “flush” the animals out so they could be killed by hunters.

Snickers was rescued with wounds on her face, neck, and torso, and she was treated for the injuries at a nearby vet, Metro reports. Afterward, the dog was taken to the RSPCA’s Putney Animal Hospital where she continued receiving medical care. The little terrier will need further surgery, as some of her wounds are so deep that they are still open and need to be treated with antibiotics. It is also believed that Snickers could have been wandering alone for some time after being abandoned.

According to Caroline Allen, RSPCA London Veterinary Director, Snickers unfortunately has a long road to recovery ahead of her. “Given the degree of infection we can’t think about suturing at the moment, and so at this stage she is on intravenous fluids, pain relief and antibiotics and we will be managing the wounds until we feel we can close them,” Allen said. “… We are doing all we can at Putney to give Snickers a chance, but she is very weak and her poor body has already endured so much.”

As is the case with many abused dogs, Snickers astounds everyone with how sweet she still is after what was done to her. According to the hospital staff, she is a “lovely friendly girl” and wags her tail whenever she gets some attention.

In the U.K., badgers are believed to carry tuberculosis which can be a threat to cattle. As such, they are the target of periodic culls that kill off tens of thousands of animals despite the lack of evidence that this is actually effective. Badger-baiting has long been illegal because of the cruelty and the devastating consequences of the practice.

“Poor Snickers is a prime example of the unimaginable cruelty inflicted not only on the wild animals themselves, but also the dogs involved,” said Chief Inspector Will Mitchell. “These merciless attacks are happening throughout the UK, both in the depths of the British countryside as well as in the leafy suburbs.”

Since Snickers was not microchipped, the person responsible for her current state remains unknown. Mitchell urges anyone who may recognize Snickers or know who was her “guardian” to get in touch. If you have any information, “no matter how small,” please contact Mitchell in confidence on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

The person responsible for using Snickers as bait has to be brought to justice to send a clear message that this is cruel and won’t be tolerated. Click here to sign a petition urging Surrey Police to do everything they can to find the person who abused the dog and press charges.

Image source: PublicDomainPictures/Pixabay