In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that four men from Hartlepool—Clint Dodd (23), Michael Dodd (28), Daniel Joyce (29), and Connor Pounder (23)—were sentenced for a “horrific” campaign of wildlife crime and animal cruelty. The investigation established that on 11 January 2019, the group targeted a known badger sett in Hovingham, North Yorkshire. The prosecution reported at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court that the men were caught red-handed by police after a member of the public spotted them digging into the sett and using a electronic tracker to locate a dog they had sent underground.
The investigation established that the men utilized a Jagd terrier named Brock to flush out the badgers, causing the animal unnecessary suffering. The prosecution reported that when police seized the dog, he was underweight and suffering from untreated ulcerations to his eyes and serious injuries to his face and muzzle. Experts noted the strikes were particularly cruel as they occurred during the season when sow badgers have their cubs, causing extreme distress to pregnant females within the illegally dug sett.
JUDICIAL FINDINGS AND SENTENCING
The court reported that the group had travelled from Hartlepool specifically to kill protected wildlife. The investigation established that Michael Dodd was already subject to a suspended sentence for driving while disqualified at the time of the offences, making his involvement a “flagrant” breach of prior court orders. The prosecution reported that a fifth man, Shaun Brown (28), failed to attend the hearing, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest for his role in the serial animal abuse.
Judge-led proceedings at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court concluded in July 2019. For their actions in Hovingham and the nature of the wildlife violence reported, the men received the following sentences:
- Michael Dodd: Jailed for 14 weeks.
- Clint Dodd, Daniel Joyce, and Connor Pounder: Each handed a 10-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
- All Defendants: Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years and banned from entering North Yorkshire for 12 months.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial orders issued in 2019:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Digging for badgers; Interfering with a badger sett; Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal).
- Custodial Status: SERVED/EXPIRED (In 2019, Michael Dodd was jailed; others received suspended terms).
- Dog Ownership Ban: Statutory disqualification active until 2024.
- North Yorkshire Exclusion: Active for 12 months (Concluded in 2020).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court; investigated by North Yorkshire Police.
- Criminal Record: Travelled from Hartlepool to North Yorkshire to bait badgers; Used an injured and underweight terrier to attack wildlife; Distressed pregnant sows and cubs; Convicted wildlife criminals.
- Origin: Hartlepool, County Durham (Offences committed in Hovingham, North Yorkshire).
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
The defendants are recorded as convicted wildlife criminals, and their details are held within national police systems to prevent further predatory strikes against protected species. Due to the nature of their behaviour—specifically the “serial” cruelty involved in badger baiting and the neglect of their own hunting dog—any association with terriers or digging equipment in rural areas will be a priority for police intervention. Authorities reported that the 2019 conviction ensures these individuals are monitored to prevent the continuation of a practice that violates the principles of human decency and animal welfare.
Wildlife experts state that the behaviour of the Dodd brothers, Joyce, and Pounder identifies individuals who prioritised their own “sick” entertainment over the safety and human rights of the natural world. Any failure to adhere to the five-year ban on keeping dogs or any further reports of interference with protected setts will result in immediate judicial review. The public are encouraged to report any sightings of men with terriers and spades in rural North Yorkshire to ensure the ongoing protection of badgers from such horrific acts of violence.
QUESTION – Given that the offenders travelled across county lines to “Bait Badgers,” do you believe the law should legally mandate that anyone convicted of a wildlife crime involving dogs should be placed on a “National Animal Abuser Register” that is publicly accessible to pet shops and breeders?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.