Thugs laughed as they filmed dogs skinning baby badger alive

A total of 447 video clips of animal cruelty were discovered on a man’s phone.

Footage showed Ryan Harrison, 24, and Thomas Young, 26, laughing as they forced their dogs to slaughter animals early last year.

A horrifying clip showed a baby badger being skinned alive while the two men watched on before Young eventually hit it with a shovel.

In another video they tried to kill a deer and they also stabbed a boar after setting their dogs on it.

The men killed badgers on four occasions in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, before they were caught.

Harrison, from Monmouthshire, admitted 15 animal cruelty offences and was jailed for 22 weeks.

Young, from Blaina, pleaded guilty to six charges and was jailed for 20 weeks.

A third man, Cyle Jones, 31, of Brecon, admitted two animal welfare charges and was jailed for 18 weeks.

All three men were banned from keeping dogs for life.

District Judge Neil Thomas described the offences as ‘medieval barbarity’ yesterday at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court, saying: ‘The absence of remorse was obvious.’

RSPCA Chief inspector Ian Briggs added: ‘The RSPCA’s special operations unit has to investigate some truly gruesome acts on animals.

‘But the prolific nature of these horrific crimes are some of the worst I – and my inspectors – have ever had the displeasure of witnessing.

‘This barbaric, deliberate and calculated torture has caused wildlife and dogs to suffer immeasurably, solely for the sadistic pleasure of a handful of depraved individuals.

‘Sadly, people who enjoy inflicting such pain and suffering on wildlife continue to offend in Wales.

‘The RSPCA will not rest in bringing people like these to justice.’