Two men have denied attempting to kill a badger.

Wayne Lawson and Richard Todd, both 39, faced a number of allegations when they appeared before Carlisle's magistrates' court yesterday, as part of a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.

Lawson and Todd stand jointly accused of an alleged wilful attempt to kill a badger; allegedly interfering with badger setts; and allegedly causing/attempting to cause an animal fight to take place.

The charges arise out of alleged incidents which took place on or about January 29 last year.

In addition, Lawson faces two further allegations of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals - a black Patterdale dog known as Scooby and a brindle bull lurcher called Stan - by "failing to provide professional veterinary care in respect of injuries" between November 28 and December 5 last year.

Lawson, of Sheehan Gardens, Carlisle, and Todd, of Mill Road, Glasson, both attended the case management hearing.

Lawyer Clive Rees, representing both men, told a court legal advisor they were entering "not guilty pleas to everything".

A trial, with a three-day time estimate, is due to take place at the magistrates' court on a date to be fixed.