Thousands of wildlife crimes going unpunished, campaigners warn

Thousands of "horrifying" acts of cruelty against animals including hedgehogs, badgers and birds are going unpunished, campaigners have warned.

Last year saw 2,149 reports of suspected wildlife crime but just 41 convictions - less than 2% - across categories reviewed by a coalition of nearly 100 environmental groups.

But the annual Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) report says the figures give only a partial picture as many wildlife crimes go undetected, unreported or unrecorded.

Cases highlighted include badgers being stabbed and attacked by dogs, a hedgehog being killed with a catapult and endangered species being trafficked in terrible conditions.

Richard Benwell, WCL chief executive, said: "This report exposes a horrifying catalogue of cruelty.

"When people can persecute wildlife with so little prospect of punishment, the law is failing the animals it is supposed to protect, which sends a dangerous signal that wildlife crime can be committed with impunity."

The report highlights that there were 625 suspected incidents involving badgers last year, but just 15 convictions.

These included badgers filmed being kicked, stabbed and attacked by dogs in Caerphilly, south Wales, in a case which saw a man jailed for 16 weeks and banned from keeping animals for life.

In November 2025, the RSPCA responded to a report of a hedgehog that had died from injuries caused by a catapult attack in Newbury, Berkshire.

The WCL also cites the first conviction in England for hen harrier persecution in January 2026 after a head gamekeeper received a financial penalty totalling £1,520, having pleaded guilty to two offences committed at a roost on a Yorkshire grouse moor estate in October 2024.

More than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products were seized at the UK border during an operation led by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation.

Vehicles were found carrying more than 2,000 live tarantulas, rainbow boa constrictors and more than 100 endangered birds in horrendous conditions, with many already dead, according to the report.

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It also highlights increasing wildlife disturbance around the Farne Islands, where tour boats have allegedly approached animals within a few metres.

Seabirds were seen knocking eggs from ledges, causing them to smash, while seals were being frightened into the water, risking injury and energy loss.

Footage from spring 2025 also showed a pod of six to eight orcas being chased and crowded by tour boats and displaying signs of stress.

Investigations into the Farne Islands incidents are ongoing, with no prosecutions yet taken.

The WCL is urging ministers to introduce stronger penalties and provide authorities with more resources to strengthen enforcement.

It also wants to see ministers delivering commitments to ban snares and tighten the Hunting Act, taking action on catapult and slingshot-related wildlife crime, and introducing mandatory training and permits for wildlife tour operators to reduce marine wildlife disturbance.

Mr Benwell said: "Britain's wildlife is already fighting for survival against habitat destruction and climate change. It should not also have to endure sickening and senseless cruelty."

(c) Sky News 2026: Thousands of wildlife crimes going unpunished, campaigners warn