“All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion and this result should act as a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.” Lancashire man gets five year animal ban.

A Lancashire man has been banned from keeping animals for five years after admitting a series of animal welfare and wildlife offences following an investigation involving Naturewatch Foundation, Lancashire Police and the RSPCA.

Jack Hindle pleaded guilty to four offences, including two under animal welfare legislation and two linked to crimes against badgers.

The case began after Naturewatch Foundation submitted a wildlife crime intelligence package to Lancashire Police’s Rural Task Force in May 2024. Officers later executed a warrant alongside the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit and a veterinary surgeon.

Hindle was handed a five-year ban on keeping animals. He also received a 12-month community order, must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and was ordered to pay £600 in costs, an £80 fine and a £32 victim surcharge.

placeholder image — Burnley man Jack Hindle

Evidence presented to the court showed Hindle had encouraged and allowed two dogs to engage in violent encounters with wildlife including foxes, hares, badgers and deer.

Investigators reviewed footage which showed the dogs being repeatedly used in hunting situations where wild animals were attacked without intervention.

An RSPCA investigating officer described the footage as “clear evidence” the dogs had been persistently used in such activity, resulting in injuries consistent with repeated confrontations with wildlife.

Chief Inspector Will Mitchell, from the RSPCA Special Operations Unit, said: “The impact on both wildlife and dogs in this case is extremely upsetting.

“All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion and this result should act as a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Veterinary evidence revealed one of the dogs suffered severe injuries, including deep lacerations exposing underlying tendons.

A vet concluded the animals had routinely been placed in dangerous situations without adequate attempts being made to control or protect them.

Further video evidence uncovered during the investigation showed injuries linked to hunting activity and signs of illegal badger baiting. Both dogs were seized by police in December 2024.

Jim Clark, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said: “This case highlights the vital importance of continued vigilance and the reporting of suspected animal abuse.

“It also underscores the critical role of collaboration between organisations in bringing perpetrators to justice and advancing animal welfare.”