Dylan Boyle convicted in connection with wildlife crime in Fife

A 51-year-old man has been convicted in connection with allowing a dog to enter an active badger sett in Fife.

Dylan Boyle was found guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Friday, 13th September, 2024. He will be sentenced at a later date.

The incident happened on Tuesday, 10 January, 2023, at Cunnoquhie West Hill near Cupar when Boyle was seen with a terrier dog near active badger setts, placing nets on a slope and digging with a spade. A fox bolted from the badger sett and was shot and killed.

Police Constable Ben Pacholek, wildlife and environmental crime officer, said: “There was clear evidence that the badger sett was active and under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 it is illegal to damage a badger sett, to obstruct access to a sett and to allow a dog to enter a sett.

“Boyle acted in a reckless and deplorable manner, causing damage at an active badger sett and placing his terrier in danger of harm by allowing it to enter the sett.

“We worked with partners from Scottish Badgers and the League Against Cruel Sports on our investigation and urge anyone with information or concerns about wildlife crime to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information is also available on our website: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/wildlife-crime/