1992 Protection of Badgers Act
A family of badgers have tunnelled into the graveyard to extend their sett from a neighbouring field, destroying graves in the process.
Widow Shirley Webb, 72, was horrified to find several graves collapsed, and the wooden casket containing her late husband Jesse exposed by the tunnelling creatures.
Unfortunately, there is nothing the family can do about it.
"It broke my heart," Mrs Webb told the newspaper. "If it were kids vandalising these graves they'd be sent to prison.
"We're told if we touch it, we may be arrested.
"I'd always wished to be buried with Jesse. Now I'm going to have my ashes scattered by a brook where he proposed to me. It's the only sacred place we have left."
As a result of the badgers' activity at St Lawrence Church, Gloucs, three graves have been damaged, and four more in danger of collapse have been cordoned off.
Under the 1992 Protection of Badgers Act it is an offence to disturb the badgers, with a maximum penalty of six months in jail or a £5,000 fine.
Rev David Eady, 64, said: "We sympathise with the families, but our hands are tied."
