Badger-killer considers appeal
Michael Pierce was this week fined £300 and ordered to pay almost £2,000 in costs after being found guilty of shooting a badger. The 57-year-old, from St Ives, had denied the charge, which was brought after a weapons expert matched his rifle to a bullet found in the animal.
Speaking after the trial at West Cornwall Magistrates Court in Truro this week, Mr Pierce, of Love Lane, St Ives, said he was unwilling to let the matter rest. "I am considering an appeal, but it is a question of finances," he said. "We are looking into the money side at the moment, but I would definitely like to appeal."
Badgers are a protected species and it is illegal to harm them or disturb their habitats. Wilfully killing a badger can carry a maximum prison sentence of six months.
During the two-day trial, magistrates heard detailed and conflicting ballistics evidence from two experts, but ruled Mr Pierce's CZ .22-calibre rifle had fired the fatal shot.
The case was brought after a dog walker found a dying badger at Penderleath caravan park, Towednack, last September.
The animal was taken to a Government laboratory in Truro for a post-mortem and a .22 calibre bullet was extracted.
Devon and Cornwall Police wildlife officer, Sgt Simon Dobson, then tracked down Mr Pierce by scouring the database of people in the area who had gun licences for matching weapons. He seized the gun in March this year and test rounds were later analysed by ballistic experts.
Mr Pierce, a firearms licence holder who had written consent to shoot rabbits on the 80-acre estate, was arrested the following month.
He told the court he was a "good citizen" who subscribed to Greenpeace and loved wildlife, hunting only for food and not sport.
He said that, at the time of the offence, he had been on crutches and effectively unable to walk, let alone carry guns, lamps and bags over rugged ground.
"I have never, ever killed or knowingly aimed at a badger," he told the court. "If I want to shoot for recreation I use targets or clay pigeons.
"My job is a position of trust and I would not do anything to jeopardise that or my shooting certificate."
The defence also presented a conflicting ballistics report to the court which cast doubt on the certainty of whether it was Mr Pierce's rifle which had been used.
However, after deliberating the matter, magistrates sided with the police report and ruled Mr Pierce's weapon had fired the shot.
After the case, Sgt Dobson, who has 19 years' experience as a police wildlife liaison officer, said it was an unusual investigation.
"I feel badgers need our protection and hope this prosecution and sentence sends out a clear message that the police and other agencies will work hard to enforce the law and protect these animals."
Bob Speechley, of Cornwall Badger Rescue, who attended the trial, said he was extremely pleased with the outcome.
"I hope this will make people think twice about harming badgers," he said.
"A lot of badgers are killed illegally and the cases are not brought to court. We would certainly like to see more people prosecuted. This case acts as a warning that people will be prosecuted."
Anyone who finds an injured badger can call Cornwall Badger Rescue on 0783 1121949.
