Three Colne men charged with offences against the Badger Act and the Animal Welfare Act have pleaded guilty.
Joshua Varey (24), of Duke Street, Paul Ashworth (49), of Hawley Street, and Shaun Mullins (22), of Leach Street, appeared at Pennine Magistrates’ Court yesterday. They will now be sentenced in July.
Writing on the Colne and West Craven Facebook page, Sgt Kim De Curtis said: “This is following a 18 month investigation by the RSPCA and Colne Neighbourhood Team where the offenders have been using their dogs to commit offences against badgers and domestic animals.
“All three pleaded guilty to the charges which is testament to the thorough case built by both the RSPCA and the police. This has been a hot topic in Colne for quite a while, and while we have informed the public where able what operations and action we have been taking - some of it we have had to keep to ourselves due to this pending investigation.”