A charity dedicated to the welfare of badgers wants to reassure the public after an attack on a dog in Hatfield.
The Herts and Middlesex Badger Group fears that negative public perception of the animal is on the rise.
This comes after a badger attack in Hatfield left a dog with open wounds that exposed his muscles and ligaments during an evening walk in March.
The charity insists that badgers are not prone to random attacks and are not to be feared by the public.
She told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: "We want to reassure the public that badgers are typically shy, nocturnal animals that are not prone to make unprovoked attacks.
"People with small dogs that could fit around badger setts should be kept on a lead as badgers can defend themselves, but they usually run away."
Christine also mentioned the harm that negative perceptions of badgers can cause, such as ineffective badger culling, which Labour pledged to end in the 2024 manifesto.
According to the Badger Trust, badgers and their setts are legally protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and it is an offence to damage, destroy, obstruct or cause a dog to enter a badger sett.
"It’s not uncommon for them to investigate or even try to enter badger setts while walking.
"As a dog owner, you must keep your dog on a lead in areas
where badgers may be present, or where you can see a badger sett.
"To keep your dog and local wildlife safe, it’s best to avoid letting dogs approach setts."
Christine and Nigel both explained that if you find an injured badger you need to contact specialist people such as the HMBG or the RSPCA.
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