Steve Clark from the Gwent Badger Group has rightly highlighted that the barbaric act of badger baiting does not happen as a result of simple ignorance or neglect, but it is a premeditated intention to inflict torture on and then kill a wild animal for some perverse gratification.

Those who have read the harrowing details of the recent abuse of badgers and other wildlife in Gwent and the Forest of Dean will have been appalled both by the horrendous abuse and torture of innocent animals, and the leniency of the sentencing available to courts: https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/…/17723025.two-men-jaile…/

We need to send out a strong signal that animal abuse – whether it involves domestic, farmed or wild animals – is unacceptable in civilised society. Consequently, we must ensure that tougher sentencing is available to bring the perpetrators of abuse, including badger baiters and those who contravene the ban on fox hunting, to justice.

Labour’s Animal Welfare Plan, published last year, commits my party to enshrining the principle of animal sentience in law, covering all policy areas to prevent practices that expose animals to cruel and degrading treatment. It also contains a pledge to increase the maximum sentences for those convicted of animal cruelty. I wholeheartedly support these policies.

For more information on the Gwent Badger Group visit http://www.gwentbadgergroup.org.uk.