Two men are due to appear in court following allegations that their hunting hounds damaged a badger sett. Charlie Thomas, 33, from Flemingstone, and Sam Colbourn, 35, from Chewton Mendip, are scheduled to face charges today, July 7, at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court.
The pair are accused of interfering with a badger sett—the complex network of tunnels used by badgers for shelter—during an incident on December 13 of last year in Priddy. According to Avon and Somerset Police, hunt hounds reportedly entered and caused damage to the sett.
The police’s Rural Crime Team launched an investigation after the event, emphasizing the strict protections afforded to badgers and their setts under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. This legislation prohibits interfering with badger setts to safeguard these protected animals and their habitats.