Housebuilding company fined for damaging badger sett in Falkirk

A Glasgow housebuilding company has been fined for causing damage to a badger sett in Falkirk.

MacTaggart and Mickel Group Ltd pleaded guilty at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

The damage was caused by large machinery when clearing vegetation in Carron Grove, Denny, in April 2023.

The company was fined £4,500.

Wildlife Crime Officer Laura Robertson said: “Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and it is an offence to harm or interfere with them.

“We have officers who are experts in the investigation of wildlife crime in all of its forms.

“We will continue to work with our partners to prevent crime and to ensure that Scotland’s wildlife is protected.”

Anyone with information about wildlife crime 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/

A spokesperson for Mactaggart & Mickel Group said: "We deeply regret this unique and unfortunate incident which occurred as a result of actions taken by subcontractors on our site.

"We have already taken steps to review and strengthen our policies and procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future."

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