THE RSPCA is to present certificates of commendation to Kent police officers involving in helping to catching badger baiters in the county.

The RSPCA was called by the police following reports of men seen digging at a badger sett in Swanley.

RSPCA West Kent chief inspector Steve Dockery arrived and a number of men were arrested and later prosecuted for offences related to badger baiting and for causing suffering to their dogs.

The men all appeared in court and were fined for the offences.

RSPCA chief inspector Dockery said: “We wanted to thank the police for their involvement in this case. Without their help in preserving the scene and assisting with interviews it could have been very difficult to bring these men to justice.

"Badger baiting is a barbaric activity and it is not easy to catch and prosecute those responsible, so we were particularly pleased with the police assistance.”

North Kent police officers Ann Davis, Mike Mallard, Sarah Rivett, Andrew Mannering and Joanne Young, along with crime scene investigator Bryan Long, will be presented with the awards at Gravesend Police Station on Thursday (February 23).

Police chief inspector Simon Black said: “We are always pleased to be able to help our partners in tackling this type of crime.

"All the officers should be very proud of their efforts in this case and I can offer an assurance that we will continue to help tackle this type of crime.”