A DRENCHED diesel rag was found stuffed in a badger sett last week by an anti-hunting group.

The Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs came across the find on Wednesday, (January 11), in Kingswood, Himbleton, and says it was put there to aid fox hunting.

It is believed that the scent of the diesel will prevent foxes from hiding in the set when it is being chased, making it easier to be captured and killed.

However Worcestershire Hunt has not yet responded to these claims.

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Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs says diesel-covered badger sets are a regular find around Worcester.

Lynn Sawyer, a long-standing member of Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs, said: "I have seen people pour diesel down badger sets.

"It makes me feel like I have to do something about it

"If you are in an enclosed environment, I can imagine it causing some sort of respiratory issues."

Interfering with a badger set in any way is a breach of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs said West Mercia Police have been notified.

According to Badger Trust West Midlands diesel is not toxic to badgers, but blocking the entrance to a set can lead to animals suffocating. 

The chairman of the trust, Nigel Tolley, said a badger throws soil behind them which creates a small cavity - leading to suffocation. 

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He added: "As a badger trust, we realise the hunt is one of the major factors putting lives at risk.

"A fox's life is just as important as a badger's.

"If a fox needs to get out quick, I don't think it is not going to not go in the badger sett.

"Would you not go in there if your life depended on it?"

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Officers are carrying out enquiries in relation to the possible interference of a badger sett in Himbleton on January 11.

"The local safer neighbourhood team is aware of concerns around interference at other badger setts in the area and one of our wildlife crime officers is working with the Badger Trust to address these concerns."

Worcestershire Hunt was contacted for comment.