Several badgers have been found illegally shot dead in

Sundridge.

A resident reported finding three dead badgers in a short

space of time in the Dry Hill area to the east of the village

to the West Kent Badger Group. Five foxes were also found.

Area co-ordinator Derek Roff went to look at the dead

badgers but they were too decomposed to fully establish how

they died. However, he believes he has ruled out accidental

causes of death. It is an offence to deliberately harm or kill

a badger under the Badger Protection Act 1992.

He said: "They're on footpaths, they're not being run over.

I went up to a farm dump to see if there was any chemicals but

there wasn't."

The dead badgers were reported to the police.

Rural and environmental crime officer Pc Andy Small said:

"We were notified that badgers as well as other species were

being shot on land with appropriate permission.

"It was clear from our inquiries that those involve were not

from the UK and would have been unaware of protected

species.

"We have spoken to all concerned and are now satisfied they

understand their responsibilities when rough shooting."

West Kent Badger Group can help in situations where badgers

have been injured or are causing a nuisance. They also collect

information on badgers that have been killed by cars, as it can

help them to plot where sets are. The group can be contacted on

01474 703948.