TWO men have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a badger and other animal welfare offences after an RSPCA probe into badger baiting and animal fighting at a Blaenau Ffestiniog farm.

They were bailed for pre-sentence reports. The possibility of jailing them and for their financial situation will be explored.

Jordan Houlston, 24, of Alexandra Road, Llandudno, an alleged hunt terrier man, was convicted by a district judge at the town’s court of ill-treating a badger, and unnecessary suffering by causing a badger to fight with dogs at Cwm Bowydd Farm, Blaenau Ffestiniog, last February.

He was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to four dogs and failing to meet the welfare needs of seven dogs.

David Thomas, 51, described as joint owner of Cwm Bowydd Farm, was found guilty of unnecessary suffering to a badger by causing it to fight with dogs, causing unnecessary suffering to two foxes by keeping them caged close to dogs causing the foxes to be terrified, and other animal welfare allegations.

Marc Wyn Morris, 26, of Jones Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, has pleaded guilty to wilfully injuring a badger, being present at an animal fight and causing unnecessary suffering to a badger by causing it to fight with a dog.

A boy of 17 admitted being present at an animal fight.

Sentencing of them was adjourned last week at the start of the six-day trial.

A boy of 13 who denied charges connected to the alleged illegal activities was cleared after the judge ruled he had no case to answer.

Evan Bleddyn Thomas, 52, of Cwm Bowydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, had also been charged with keeping a premises for use for animal fights, but the charges were dropped.