Hunting with dogs - Hunting Act 2004

Hunters set their dogs on badgers and foxes

A judge condemned four terriermen for the “wicked” act of illegally hunting badgers and foxes with dogs.

Sentencing them at Liverpool magistrates’ court, district judge Michael Abelson said the men took “cruel enjoyment” from their dogs attacking the wild animals.

The court heard how four men and a 17-year-old were stopped by police in their Land Rover in Islington last August on their way back from a hunting expedition.

They had dogs, nets and other equipment used for illegal hunting.

A 20-year-old man was given a caution after admitting the offence because of his previous good character.

The remaining four were charged.

Peter Blackhall, 25, of Lapford Crescent, Kirkby; Thomas Bell, 23, of Exeter Close, Aintree; Adam Pengilley, 21, of Adlam Road, Aintree; and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons initially denied the charges at court on Monday.

They later changed their pleas to guilty.

The judge fined the three men £250 each with £80 costs, and ordered the immediate forfeiture of the Land Rover and the hunting equipment. The teenager was given a conditional discharge for 12 months with £80 costs.

Source: Liverpool Echo