AN investigation has been launched after the body of a badger was found with ‘horrific’ injuries and a rope around its neck.
It is not known how the badger sustained deep wounds to its abdomen and legs, but the RSPCA is treating the incident as suspicious.
The badger’s body was found on March 8 in Hedgerley Lane in Gerrards Cross, opposite the entrance for Upper Meadow.
Details of the incident were released by the charity this afternoon.
Rachel Smith, an RSPCA animal welfare officer, said: “This poor badger would have suffered tremendously as a result of its injuries.
“We cannot say for certain how these injuries have been caused, which is why we are appealing to the public to see if they have any information about this incident.”
She urged anyone with information to call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 it is against the law to: wilfully kill, injure or take a badger, cruelly mistreat a badger, dig for a badger, intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy a badger sett – or obstruct access to it or cause a dog to enter a badger sett.
Due to the distress caused to passing members of the public the carcass was removed and disposed of by South Bucks District Council.
