Man arrested for rural crime offences as part of joint police investigation
Avon and Somerset Police have worked with the RSPCA - arresting a 28-year-old on suspicion of badger baiting and weapon offences
A man has been arrested on suspicion of badger baiting and weapon offences after a joint investigation in Bristol.
It was carried out by the police and RSPCA - with warrants carried at two homes out earlier this month.
Officers from Avon and Somerset Police's Rural Affairs Unit and Neighbourhood Policing arrested the 28-year-old on suspicion of badger baiting, sett interference, animal cruelty, being in possession of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and being in possession of offensive weapons during the raids on April 14.
Sgt Katie Maun said: "The arrest follows a joint investigation between police and the RSPCA in response to intelligence provided last year.
“During the warrant, we seized four dogs, veterinary-grade medication, and cannabis along with a number of non-firearms weapons, including the crossbow and a machete.
"We take offences of this nature very seriously and our enquiries are ongoing.”
The man has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
If you suspect someone is committing a wildlife crime, call 101 or you can report it online.