PAUL TOMLINSON FROM BILBOROUGH EXPOSED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING BADGERS AND DOG FIGHTS IN NOTTINGHAM
Paul Tomlinson, born on June 24, 1986, and residing on Melford Road in the Bilborough district of Nottingham, has been at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike.His involvement in the illegal use of dogs for fighting and the brutal killing of protected badgers has led to serious legal repercussions.
Tomlinson’s criminal history includes previous convictions related to anti-social behavior, notably incidents where he terrorized vulnerable neighbors in his neighborhood.
However, his latest charges reveal a darker side, involving deliberate acts of animal cruelty that have garnered significant attention from authorities and the public.
He was found guilty of keeping dogs specifically for use in animal fights, a violation under section 8 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and of attempting to kill badgers, which are protected species under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
The case against Tomlinson was brought to light after a series of investigations that uncovered evidence of his involvement in illegal activities.
It was reported that he was walking a dog through the Bilborough area of Nottingham when the dog attacked a badger.
The incident, which resulted in the badger’s death, was initially unnoticed until Tomlinson himself posted details of the attack on his Facebook page, inadvertently revealing his involvement.
Following this revelation, authorities conducted a raid on his residence.
During the search, officers seized an iPhone that contained photographs and videos documenting the attack, serving as crucial evidence in the case.
The investigation also uncovered disturbing items in Tomlinson’s home, including dead deer and hares stored in his freezer, along with lamping equipment used for hunting.
Bloodstains on the floor and hooks used for hanging carcasses were also discovered, painting a grim picture of his activities.
His solicitor attempted to provide context, claiming that Tomlinson’s father was a warden for the Quorn Hunt and describing him as a country man raised in the city.
Despite this, the evidence was compelling enough for a court trial held in January 2016, which resulted in a guilty verdict on multiple charges.
Tomlinson was convicted of one count of keeping three dogs for fighting purposes and two counts of willfully killing or attempting to kill a badger.
As part of the sentencing, two of the seized lurcher-type dogs were ordered to be rehomed.
The RSPCA’s inspector Carroll Lamport, who led the investigation, emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “His phone was seized, and on this phone were photos of his dogs attacking badgers.
The fact that he did nothing to stop this and stood by and took photos says it all.” Mike Butcher, chief inspector of the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, condemned the practice of badger-baiting, describing it as “an absolutely horrific practice” and highlighting the cruelty inflicted upon the animals involved.
He added, “It is premeditated animal cruelty — to deliberately go out into the countryside purely to cause horrific injuries to an iconic wild animal is stomach-churning.
These badgers would have suffered tremendously during these sickening attacks.” Following his conviction, Paul Tomlinson was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail.
Additionally, he was banned from keeping dogs for three years, a restriction that expired in 2019.
The case has served as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against illegal animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting wildlife and domestic animals alike.
