Two men were found guilty on Tuesday of badger baiting and animal fighting at a Snowdonia farm.

They were bailed for pre-sentence reports including the possibility of jailing them and for their financial situation to be explored.

Jordan Houlston, aged 24, of Alexandra Road, Llandudno, an alleged hunt terrier man, was convicted by a district judge at the town’s court of ill-treating a badger, and unnecessary suffering by causing a badger to fight with dogs at Cwm Bowydd Farm, Blaenau Ffestiniog, last February. He was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to four dogs and failing to meet the welfare needs of seven dogs.

David Thomas, 51, described as joint owner of Cwm Bowydd Farm, was found guilty of unnecessary suffering to a badger by causing it to fight with dogs, causing unnecessary suffering to two foxes by keeping them caged close to dogs causing the foxes to be terrified, and other animal welfare allegations.

Marc Wyn Morris, 26, of Jones Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, has pleaded guilty to wilfully injuring a badger, being present at an animal fight and causing unnecessary suffering to a badger by causing it to fight with a dog. A boy of 17 admitted being present at an animal fight. Sentencing of them was adjourned last week at the start of the six-day trial.

Artificial badger setts were allegedly found at the farm and seven skulls, possibly those of foxes or badgers.

A boy of 13 who denied charges connected to the alleged illegal activities was cleared after the judge ruled he had no case to answer.

District judge Gwyn Jones said pipes were used to hold captive animals and dogs brought to a copse to fight.

Allan Armbrister, defending Houlston who claimed he wasn’t present at the time of the animal fight, maintained the way the RSPCA had conducted themselves had been “shambolic.” After the convictions, Mr Armbrister remarked :”They wish to have their fate dealt with as soon as possible.” He said Houlston had little means.

Clive Rees, defending Thomas, argued that there had been an “institutionalised and systemic failure” and identification of his client was unsatisfactory. “There’s no real evidence these (caged) foxes were suffering any sort of trauma until approached by the police and RSPCA,” he added.