‘LAMPERS’ are targeting badgers in increasing numbers across rural East Lancashire, it has been revealed.

Animal protection groups say young men with specially bred powerful dogs are stalking rural areas at night and setting their pets on wildlife.

‘Lamping’ is so called because it is carried out under torch or lamp light, or using the headlamps of 4x4 vehicles.

Lancashire Badger Group members voluntarily check as many badger setts as possible in rural areas to help out police and the RSPCA who have limited resources to tackle the emerging issues of rural crime.

Lancashire Badger Group chairman Jo Bates-Keegan said: “Lamping is the latest craze amongst young men who see it as a blood sport. Instead of shooting animals they are walking across fields and then, under torchlight, setting their big tall cross-bred dogs with huge heads on badgers, deer, rabbits, or cats.

“Badgers are also often maimed to prevent them putting up as good a fight, and the spring is a popular time of year as sows may have young and will therefore put up more of a fight. Young are obviously killed.”

The organisation is behind a national campaign called Operation Meles and is urging people to report any suspicious behaviour, such as people walking dogs while carrying spades.

Mrs Bates-Keegan said: “These people have no regard for animals, even their own.”

Lancashire Police were called to reports of three men badger baiting in Stubbins on December 8 around 4.25pm.

When they arrived, the men had gone, but their equipment was seized.

Call Badgerline on 07980 630250 or 08448 707908 for emergencies.