Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 November 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 November 2001 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the illegal killing of badgers.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the illegal killing of badgers. [16199] Mr. Morley: This Government deplore the illegal killing of badgers. The principle legislation protecting the welfare of badgers is the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Under the 1992 Act it is an offence to kill, take or dig for a badger, or attempt to do so, except under licence or in certain particular circumstances, or to injure one or attempt to do so. The maximum penalty for an offence under the 1992 Act is a fine of £5,000 and/or 6 months' imprisonment. The level of protection for badgers is unique for an unendangered animal and reflects the concern which is felt by Parliament about the gratuitous acts for cruelty to which badgers have been subjected to all too often in the past.

Secondary information