23 Oct 2012

Government ‘could announce badger cull delay’

The government is set to announce whether it will carry out a cull fo thousands of badgers across the UK, amid reports it will postpone the decision by up to a year.

The government is set to announce whether it will carry out a cull fo thousands of badgers across the UK, amid reports it will postpone the decision by up to a year.

The government’s outline plan will see 100,000 badgers culled, in an effort to stop the spread of bovine TB.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson will make a statement at 12.30pm on Tuesday in the House of Commons.

The Guardian reports that the badger cull, due to be piloted in south west England, will be delayed until at least next year.

Last year, 26,000 cattle in England had to be slaughtered after contracting bovine TB.

Vaccination scheme

The Welsh government has declined a cull, choosing instead to vaccinate cattle, while Scotland is officially TB-free.

The government’s plan is based on the results of a nine-year trial which showed the spread of the disease could be slowed slightly if more than 70 per cent of badgers in an area could be eradicated.

But if it was less than 70 per cent, the spread of TB could increase, it found.

Unlike previous test culls, badgers will be shot in the open without first being trapped in cages.

Opponents, including the RSPCA, say that is inhumane.

An e-petition to the government, created by Queen guitarist Brian May, has attracted more than 160,000 signatures.