An animal welfare charity estimates that 2,000 badgers a year are being killed illegally in Northern Ireland every year by badger baiters.
The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says around 150 people are involved in such activity.
Despite its prevalence, the charity says that only three people have been convicted of offences linked to the killing or injuring of the protected species in more than a decade.
At the launch of a report at Stormont today, it called for politicians to support legislation that bans hunting with dogs.
It also wants to see greater enforcement of current laws and an awareness campaign to help the public spot signs of illegal activity.
At @USPCA_Official launch of its badger baiting report. 150 individuals killing 2000+ badgers a year in NI. More @rtenews @ 6 pic.twitter.com/XG6cb5zoma
— conor macauley (@TVconormac) March 7, 2023
Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where hunting with dogs remains legal.
The USPCA says this provides a smokescreen for badger baiters who will often claim that they are hunting foxes.
"Every year thousands of helpless badgers and indeed other mammals are killed purely for the fun of bloodthirsty individuals engaged in this illegal act of cruelty," said USPCA chief executive Nora Smith.
"Our report highlights the shocking reality of badger baiting in Northern Ireland and the considerable weaknesses in the investigation, enforcement and prosecution of these violent and barbaric offences. Doing nothing is not an option."
The USPCA has established a campaign "Operation Brockwatch" to protect badger setts with signage and cameras.
But it says further measures are needed to protect the iconic mammal.
Campaigners say that as well as killing badgers, those involved in the activity know it can lead to death or serious injury of their dogs.
They say some will leave their animals untreated in case it highlights their involvement in badger baiting.
