TWO Carlisle brothers who stand jointly accused of wilfully killing a badger on land near the city have appeared in court.
Dale Rickerby, aged 27, and 32-year-old Michael James Rickerby face the allegation as part of a prosecution by welfare charity the RSPCA.
During a 15-minute hearing at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday July 6), Dale Rickerby and Michael Rickerby jointly faced one charge. This alleges that together they wilfully killed a badger in the vicinity of Holme Lane, Aglionby.
Dale Rickerby faces two other charges.
One alleges that he caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by “engaging” a bull lurcher-type dog known as Bronson with a badger; and that he “knew or ought reasonably to have known that the act would have that effect or be likely to do so”.
READ MORE: French bulldog owner at B&M ban
Another charge alleges that he did not take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of Bronson were met and further “did not protect the animal from pain, suffering, injury or disease by engaging the dog in encounters with other animals”.
As they appeared in the dock together, the brothers, both of Warnell Drive, Carlisle, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
These relate to alleged incidents on October 15 last year.
Steven Marsh, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told magistrates the matter had been taken over by the charity from police.
“The essence of the charge,” said Mr Marsh of the alleged wilful killing, “is the defendants used a dog or dogs to attack a badger, resulting in the death of the badger.”
However, the brothers deny that was the case, stating they were “lawfully rabbiting” when a badger which “unexpectedly” emerged was killed to prevent further injury which had been caused to the dog.
The dog is said to have sustained an injury to its lower jaw.
As a result of the brothers’ not guilty pleas, a trial with an estimated time limit of up to a day will take place at the magistrates’ court on November 14.
In the meantime, both Dale Rickerby and Michael Rickerby — who were represented by lawyer Clive Rees — were granted bail
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article