RSPCA rescues badger after suspected dog attack

The RSPCA has issued a warning to dog owners to keep their pets under control around wildlife after a badger was rescued with horrific injuries from a suspected dog attack.

The poor badger was rescued by the RSPCA from a ditch by a canal in Baddiley Lane in Nantwich on Tuesday 27 October.

The badger’s ear had been ripped off and there were three deep puncture wounds to the badger’s shoulder and more wounds around his neck which were also infected.

RSPCA Inspector Caren Goodman-James rescued the adult male badger with the help of two members of staff from OCS, an environmental support services company, which had spotted the badger’s plight.

Caren said: “Sadly, this badger had suffered some very severe wounds likely from an animal attack. I took him to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for care but after a vet examination, sadly they decided that his injuries were too severe and he would have to be put to sleep to end his suffering.

“It’s not the outcome anyone wanted but in a situation like this where an animal is suffering, it’s the right call to make.

“We don’t know exactly what happened to this badger, whether it was an incident involving a pet or whether it was illegal badger baiting but we are urging any dog walkers in the area to please keep an eye on their dogs around wildlife and make sure they’re kept on a lead. If anyone has any further information about this please call our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

For more information about what to do if you find an injured wild animal, please visit the RSPCA’s website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and continue our vital work through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid