A man in his 30s has been arrested and a number of dogs seized in Co Fermanagh as part of a police investigation into badger baiting and animal cruelty.
The man, 34, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with animal cruelty, with a 'possible link to badger baiting'.
Badger baiting is a form of blood sport in which badgers are baited with dogs, with over 2,000 badgers dug from the safety of their setts and set on by dogs every year in Northern Ireland.
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A PSNI spokesperson said following the arrest that it takes all wildlife crimes seriously.
"Police in Fermanagh have arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with animal cruelty today, Tuesday, 7th March," the statement said.
"The arrest is in relation to a possible link with badger baiting and persecution of other animals under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011. Officers have seized a number of dogs as part of the policing operation into wildlife crime."
The Police Service of Northern Ireland's Rural and Wildlife Crime Lead Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: "Officers across Northern Ireland investigate fighting offences like any other crime and will continue to do so to prevent these sorts of crimes happening in rural areas.
“We have arrested one man who is currently assisting officers with our enquiries and our investigation is under way to determine links to badger baiting.
“As a service, we take all wildlife crimes seriously including badger baiting and unnecessary suffering caused to many animals.
“Police will continue with a robust enforcement of the Animal Welfare and Wildlife legislation where they come upon such matters, and encourage the public to report any activity thought to be suspicious to police on 101."
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