Wildlife crime on rise: The gruesome world of badger baiting

Apart from the poisoning birds of prey, badger baiting is one of the biggest wildlife crimes in this country, but it's very hard to catch those responsible in the act and even harder to prosecute.  Sorcha Crowley reports

'It is heartbreaking to know that at least 2,500 defenceless badgers are persecuted and die in such an horrific way every year.'

The workmen at Croagh stopped in their tracks one afternoon earlier this year when they saw two unusual holes dug in a slope.

They had been examining the area as part of work on the Foynes-Limerick Road Improvement Scheme when they noticed the deep, oval holes. Surrounded by freshly dug clay and close to a known and protected badger sett, the holes immediately aroused suspicion.