Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2026. 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
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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to introduce greater offenses for badger baiting.
- Answer
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In England and Wales, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 make killing or injuring badgers a criminal offence. Anyone who breaches this legislation could face up to a six-month custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine.
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 badger baiting, so they are consistent with higher levels of sentencing available for offences against domestic animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Secondary information
- Type
- Written question
- Reference
- 14577
- Session
- 2026-27
- Subjects
- Animal welfare Badgers
- Link
- View this Written question on www.parliament.uk
Librarians' tools
- Timestamp
- 2026-07-06 15:51:45 +0100
- URI
- http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2026-27/14577
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- http://indexing.parliament.uk/Content/Edit/1?uri=http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2026-27/14577
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