POLICE are appealing for information after a badger was shot dead in Towednack, near St Ives.

The animal was discovered at 8.30am on Tuesday, September 23 and is thought to have been killed some time during the night.

Robert Speechley, who coordinates Cornwall Badger Rescue Group, said: "People who do this are morons who should not be allowed guns in the first place. We need to prosecute them and criminal courts should come down hard.

"It's very frustrating because we really need to catch people in the act in order to get the evidence."

The discovery was reported to conservationists and taken away for post mortem by Police Wildlife Officer Sergeant Simon Dobson.

Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, wilfully killing a badger is a criminal offence carrying a six-month prison sentence.

Badgers have been in the spotlight recently with many farmers supporting targeted culling in order to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis to cattle. Animals in West Penwith were originally targeted for extermination under the government-run Krebs trial.

The cull was suspended in 2003 after a 'significant rise' in infection within culling areas.

Some badger conservationists fear that recent negative stories may have led people to wrongly believe it is lawful to kill the nocturnal animals. Cornwall Badger Rescue says it is an offence to kill a badger or interfere with a sett in anyway and anyone with information should tell police.

Anyone who finds an injured badger can contact the organisation 24 hours a day on 01736 797740.

● Sergeant Dobson is appealing for information about this crime and any shooting activity in the area. Information can be given, confidentially, to police on 08452 777444 or via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111, quoting crime reference AI/08/864.