A year has gone by since a man was brutally injured by a gang of badger baiters in Bolton, yet wildlife crime is still rife campaigners have warned.

On April 28 last year a 41-year-old volunteer for the Hunt Saboteurs Association was hospitalised and needed 42 stitches after being brutally beaten with spades by five men who had been digging out a badger sett.

The assault caused an outcry at the time but now, one year on the volunteer’s colleague warn that still not enough has been done to crack down on criminals like these.

Lancashire Badger Group vice chair Andy Hardman said: “Killing badgers, baiting, lamping, fighting, is part of a regional network of criminal gang activity

“There is evidence that the same gangs which organise wildlife crime also organise other crimes.”

The volunteer, who does not wish to be identified, was injured last year in Darcy Lever when he confronted the five when with their two dogs who had been digging a badger sett.

The men beat him unconscious and left him at the scene.

Crimes against badgers has increased nationwide since the start of the pandemic with sett interference rising by 40 per cent badger baiting and fighting by 52 per cent and poisoning by 77 per cent, according to the latest figures released by Wildlife Link

This year has seen cases in which a badger was poisoned and another when three badger cubs were killed by dogs.

In response the Lancashire Badger Group, which covers Greater Manchester, has called on police and Metro Mayor Andy Burnham to recognise wildlife crime as a specific offence rather than just “miscellaneous.”

Mr Hardman said: “People out and about shouldn’t ignore any signs of activity. 

“If you’re concerned at all, get in touch with us, Lancashire or South Manchester Badger Group.

“Importantly, if you see people in the act of interfering with a sett, don’t approach them, do not put yourself in danger.  

“Phone 999 immediately and give as much information as possible, particularly the exact spot of the crime and a description of the criminals.” 

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.