Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Badgers: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of raising the maximum prison sentence for badger baiting under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 to align it with serious acts of cruelty against domestic animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Answer: This Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, made a commitment to review and look to strengthen penalties for cruelty against wildlife, including the horrific offence of badger baiting, to ensure they are consistent with higher levels of sentencing available for offences against domestic animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Secretary of State has made no specific assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of raising the maximum prison sentence for badger baiting under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

Secondary information