I WRITE with fury and disgust at the derisory “punishment” meted out to the two excuses for humanity discovered badger baiting in North Yorkshire (Echo, Dec 7).

I can’t believe that 80 hours unpaid work and a paltry £775 costs is just retribution for such a heinous and despicable crime.

There are people in this country who dedicate their lives to saving and protecting animals and struggle to find the funds to care for them.

Unfortunately, there is another element, which I shall refer to as scum, who are hell bent on persecuting, terrifying and torturing animals, simply to derive some kind of perverse pleasure.

Shame on all those people who condone snaring, baiting and shooting.

Denise Anklam, Stanhope.