Two men are scheduled 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, will face charges at Yeovil Magistrates' Court on the afternoon of July 7.
The pair are accused of interfering with a badger sett—a complex system of underground tunnels that provide shelter for badgers. The incident reportedly occurred on December 13 of last year in Priddy, where hunting hounds are said to have entered and caused damage to the sett.
Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation through their Rural Crime Team after becoming aware of the incident. Badgers and their setts are afforded strict protection under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which prohibits interference and damage.