A police hunt is on for three men believed to be involved with the illegal practise of badger baiting.
The trio were said to have been practicing the blood sport - which has been illegal since 1835 - at around 10.50am yesterday (Jan 28) off of Rochdale Road in Todmorden.
They were disturbed by a member of the public and fled the scene leaving behind a Terrier-type dog.
Police described the first of the three men as a white male aged between 30 and 38, with brown short hair, stocky and was wearing a grey/brown jacket. The second as white aged between 30 and 40, almost bald but with fair hair, of verage build wearing camouflage trousers. The third was wearing a black fleece and green and brown trousers.
The case is currently being investigated by Special Constable Philip Anderson, a wildlife officer with West Yorkshire Police.
He said “Badger baiting is a serious crime and I would urge anyone coming forward who suspects a crime to contact police on 101.”