Badger Baiter Damien Sweeney Jailed and Banned from Owning Dogs
Damien Sweeney from Maes Glyndwr, Treuddyn, near Mold, has been slammed guilty on 12 charges after a brutal animal cruelty trial. The court found him guilty of eight offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and four under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
Animal Abuse Uncovered: Dogs Left to Suffer
Sweeney’s cruelty targeted two dogs – a female tan lurcher and another named Reggie. The court heard how he caused unnecessary suffering by failing to protect both dogs from injuries and refused them proper veterinary care on multiple occasions between November 2017 and March 2018.
- Tan lurcher: injured twice, no vet care in November 2017 and January 2018
- Reggie: left untreated for injuries sustained in March 2018
Badger Baiting Charges Highlight Savage Acts
In addition to dog cruelty, Sweeney was charged over four separate incidents where he wilfully attempted to kill, injure, or capture badgers – a criminal offence under the Protection of Badgers Act.
Sentence: Jail Time, Dog Ban, and Deprivation Notices
On 18 November at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court, Sweeney was slapped with 20 weeks behind bars and banned from owning dogs for eight years. Authorities also issued a deprivation notice allowing them to seize the two abused dogs.
How Did the Case Unfold?
The RSPCA launched its probe in March 2019 after North Wales Police uncovered damning mobile phone footage from Sweeney. The videos showed the tan lurcher savagely attacking a badger, causing immense pain and distress.
A police raid soon found dogs with injuries typical of badger baiting, confirming the horrific activity.
Expert vets attested that Sweeney actively encouraged his dogs to fight wild mammals, causing needless suffering and failing to get timely veterinary care.
RSPCA Furious as Badger Baiting Blights Countryside
“Sadly badger baiting remains a serious problem in our countryside,” said RSPCA officer Jason Bowles. “The RSPCA will not relent in bringing those involved in this cruel activity to justice, as shown in this case. We thank North Wales Police for their strong support.”
