AT this time of year, millions are glued to nightly images of badgers crawling around their setts on TV.

There has been a huge revival in interest in natural history. Just look at Springwatch, Countryfile and other shows that are so popular.

We are a nation of animal lovers and our passion for the countryside and its wildlife rivals our love for domestic pets.

That is why the barbaric so-called sport of badger baiting and hunting is so unacceptable.

Badgers are one of this country’s largest wild mammals and people who consider that killing them is sport are sick.

The law protects badgers and it is possible to be jailed for killing them. Yesterday, however, a man was fined £270 after being found guilty of using a dog to hunt badgers in Altham.

It is a shame that the punishment did not send out a stronger message.

The idea of badgers being killed in a slow, painful manner for the ‘enjoyment’ of onlookers is too horrific to contemplate.

Badger baiting is a vile and vicious activity that will be condemned by all right-thinking people.

Courts should make a real example of offenders to reflect society’s disgust.