Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to introduce greater offenses for badger baiting.

In England and Wales, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 make killing or injuring badgers a criminal offence. Anyone who breaches this legislation could face up to a six-month custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine.

This Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, made a commitment to review and look to strengthen penalties for cruelty against wildlife, including badger baiting, so they are consistent with higher levels of sentencing available for offences against domestic animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.