POLICE are investigating reports of "barbaric" badger baiting near Hereford, a crime where the animals' setts are dug.

Police said a dark pickup truck could have been involved, and are keen for anyone with information to contact them.

PC Josh Kitchen said officers were investigating possible badger baiting on land near Lower Lyde which is believed to have happened on Saturday, January 22, at 3.30pm.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to this incident or that may have been in the area around the time of the incident and heard or seen anything suspicious," he said.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who might have seen a dark coloured pickup truck in the area around the same time.

"If you have information this please let us know using the online ‘tell us about’ form on our website westmercia.police.uk quoting incident reference 319 of 22/01/2022."

Hereford Times: Badger baiting has been reported in Lower Lyde, near HerefordBadger baiting has been reported in Lower Lyde, near Hereford

West Mercia police said Badger baiting is a "barbaric and archaic activity" where terrier like dogs are sent into setts to find badgers.

The group will then dig down, remove the badger and force it to fight a number of large, powerful dogs.

The badger is usually killed by the dogs or beaten to death by the group, police added, also saying that the dogs involved usually sustain horrific and long-term injuries whichg are rarely treated by a vet.

Offenders face up to six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine if convicted.