A Derrylin man currently on bail awaiting trial for badger baiting and associated charges has failed in his attempt to have his bail conditions relaxed. Jason Kennedy from Marble Arch Road, Enniskillen is alleged to have caused suffering to badgers and cats through baiting and fighting which he recorded and supplied to others. Kennedy attended court yesterday to apply to have his electronic tag and 10pm curfew removed. Badger baiting is the digging out and killing of badgers, which are a protected species in Northern Ireland.
35-year-old Jason Kennedy faces 18 charges in total involving six counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, causing or attempting to cause an animal fight and being present at an animal fight. Offending is alleged to have occurred on both June 28 and July 4 2022. The causing of unnecessary suffering relates to badgers and cats and the charges state he intentionally killed a badger and the counts of
intentionally injuring also relates to badgers. Finally, he was alleged to have been in possession of three live badgers and one dead.
While further details of the case have not yet been disclosed, police at the time of confirmed Kennedy was arrested in the Derrylin area of Fermanagh on March, 7 2023 when a number of dogs were also seized as part of the investigation. Defence counsel contended, "Given the good compliance shown and the presence of other bail conditions which would ward against the likelihood of reoffending, I submit the tag and curfew are no longer necessary." However, Judge Fiona Bagnall noted badger-baiting happens at night, "Which presumably is why the curfew was put in place, so he wouldn't be endeavouring on this activity." Refusing Kennedy's bail application, the judge said: "The terms are entirely appropriate and I consider it essential the curfew and tag remain in place given the nature of the offences." The case is due for mention again next month.
