RYAN HARRISON, TOMAS YOUNG AND CYLE JONES FROM CALDICOT AND NEIGHBOURING AREAS SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ANIMAL CRUELTY AND BADGER BAITING

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community and animal welfare advocates alike, Ryan Harrison, Tomas Young, and Cyle Jones, all residents of the Monmouthshire and Powys regions, have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in heinous acts of wildlife persecution and animal cruelty. The trio’s crimes, which include the barbaric treatment of a baby badger and violence inflicted upon dogs, came to light following an undercover investigation by BBC Wales Investigates, specifically through their program titled "The Secret World of Badger Baiters," broadcast in May 2018.

Subsequent to the program’s airing, law enforcement authorities executed warrants at the residences of the three individuals—Harrison, Young, and Jones—located in Caldicot, East Pentwyn in Blaina, and Cwrt Tarrell in Brecon, respectively. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of illegal activities involving the killing, injuring, and tormenting of wildlife, as well as cruelty towards domestic animals.

During the investigation, the RSPCA’s special operations unit obtained a seized mobile phone from Ryan Harrison, which contained an extensive collection of videos, images, and text messages. The content was deeply disturbing, comprising 447 video clips that depicted hunting, animal cruelty, and acts of violence. Many of these videos showed animals being killed or injured, with some footage capturing dogs with severe injuries used in hunting activities. Harrison’s voice was audible in some videos, and images also included footage of Tomas Young.

One of the most horrific incidents documented involved a baby badger that had been subjected to extreme cruelty. The badger’s skin was split down the middle and pulled back from its body, yet the animal was still alive. The footage then showed Tomas Young killing the badger by striking it with a shovel, an act described by District Judge Neil Thomas as “medieval barbarity.”

Harrison and Young both pleaded guilty to six joint charges, which included deliberately killing, injuring, or taking a badger on four separate occasions. They also admitted to attempting to kill a deer in the Forest of Dean and causing unnecessary suffering to a boar by allowing it to be attacked by dogs and stabbing it with a knife. Harrison faced additional charges, totaling nine, which encompassed attempts to kill deer and badgers, causing suffering to dogs named Ted and Brock by neglecting veterinary care, and inflicting injuries on a boar through dog attacks and stabbing.

Cyle Jones admitted to two charges of animal cruelty involving injuries to two dogs. Due to his previous conviction for having a dog dangerously out of control, he was sentenced to a custodial term and was banned from keeping dogs for life.

All three men attempted to justify their actions by claiming they grew up involved in countryside pursuits. However, the judge dismissed these claims, emphasizing the absence of remorse and describing their offenses as “medieval barbarity.”

Chief Inspector Ian Briggs of the RSPCA’s special operations unit expressed his disgust at the crimes, stating, “The RSPCA’s special operations unit has to investigate some truly gruesome acts on animals. But the prolific nature of these horrific crimes are some of the worst I — and my inspectors — have ever had the displeasure of witnessing. This barbaric, deliberate, and calculated torture has caused wildlife and dogs to suffer immeasurably, solely for the sadistic pleasure of a handful of depraved individuals.”

He further acknowledged the importance of the BBC Wales investigation in uncovering these crimes, which paved the way for the RSPCA to take action and bring the perpetrators to justice. The police forces involved in assisting with the case included Gwent Police, South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police, and Gloucestershire Police.

Sentencing for the offenders was as follows: Ryan Harrison received a 22-week jail term, Tomas Young was sentenced to 20 weeks, and Cyle Jones was given 18 weeks. Additionally, all three were banned from keeping dogs for life, reflecting the severity of their crimes and the need to prevent further cruelty. The case has garnered widespread attention, highlighting the ongoing issues of wildlife persecution and animal cruelty in the region.