Crops wrecked as yobs hunt Shropshire wildlife

Yobs are driving across the Shropshire countryside to chase badgers and hares for their dogs to fight and kill, leaving a 'terrible mess' in their wake, farmers claimed today.

Officials claim people are driving vans and 4x4s across farmland destroying crops and causing other damage in their pursuit of the animals and they have warned landowners to be vigilant.

Police today said incidents had been reported and investigations had begun, and officials warned badgers were protected and hare coursing was banned.

Oliver Cartwright, a spokesman for the NFU, said: "If they are destroying crops and property then that is a real concern. Our message is one of complete vigilance. People must report suspicious activity."

In one incident last week in Weston-under-Lizard farmers claimed thugs not only ruined crops but also drove over irrigation pipes, destroying one which costs £100. The pipe was still pumping water which then flooded the field.

The farmer, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said there had been about a dozen separate incidents on his farm.

He said: "These people are dangerous. They make a mess. It is a constant battle. They have no respect for crops, property or people."

Dusty Dovaston, the rural watch co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch in the Shifnal area, said the issue 'was getting really bad' along the Shropshire and Staffordshire border.

George Kempsell, keeper at the Snowdon and Badger Shott, near Shifnal, said at least three badgers had been killed there. Richard Ewels, a spokesman for Shropshire police, said officers received a call last Monday from a man who thought a badger found on the road had been killed by dogs.

He said police were not certain as it could have been caused by a passing vehicle.

Andy Robbins, a spokesman for the RSPCA, said: "People think badger baiting and hare coursing are things from long ago but it is still going on now."