A NEW rural crime fighting team has seized several dogs in the Forest of Dean as part of an investigation into badger baiting.

Officers from Gloucestershire Police’s rural crime team have been working with the RSPCA and other police forces in the Forest and in Wales.

And they recently executed four warrants, led by PC Cath McDay, during which dogs believed to be used in badger baiting were removed.

No arrests have been made to date, but inquiries are ongoing, said a force spokeswoman.  

She added: “Badger persecution, which includes badger baiting, is one of the six current priorities of the National Wildlife Crime Unit.”

Sgt Carl Rugen-Hankey of the rural crime team said the warrants showed they would take “robust action” against anyone thought to involved in rural crime. The unit can be contacted at @[email protected].

You can also follow on Twitter @Glospol_Rural.