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A dog or dogs are put into the entrance of a badger sett, or fox earth with the intention of pursuing or bolting the "quarry". The dog can be traced using electronic locators. Some "hard" terriers actually fight the "quarry" underground. Once the terrier-man knows the dog's location, he will dig down and then 'dispatch' the quarry. However, badger diggers may take the badger away for baiting.

The dogs used for underground work are generally small dogs that can get through a network of tunnels, called 'tubes'. The breeds used are terrier types - Jack Russell's, Wire Haired Terriers, Lakeland, Bedlington, and Plummer breeds.

Dogs which are put to work underground are called earth dogs. Dogs which hunt above ground are called running dogs.

The wildlife is not the only casualty...

How are the Animals killed?

A significant number of animals are ripped apart underground and only a small number are humanely dispatched. The rest are finished off by a shovel or heavy stick. Sometimes they are thrown to dogs alive.

Many of these are taken home as 'trophies' for the dogs to play with.

Why do people do it?

Some people get a 'rush' from seeing their dog digging out. It gives them the power to decide whether a wild animal lives or dies. Many will take part in digging out competitions at hunt events. Many people who do it call themselves 'pest controllers' or 'terrier men' but it could be the lad up the road, but they all have one thing in common: They enjoy the 'thrill' of control over life or death.

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