Badger-culling trial decision criticised
DERBYSHIRE Wildlife Trust has condemned the Government's decision to pursue trials of badger-culling in parts of England.
The plans follow a national consultation on whether badgers should be shot to help control bovine tuberculosis, as the animals are blamed for spreading the disease to cattle herds.
Parts of West Derbyshire and East Staffordshire are among areas worst affected by the disease.
Trust chief executive Ed Green said there was scientific evidence that culling would not solve the problem.
He said: "We welcome the Government's continued funding for the development of a vaccine. This should be vigorously pursued alongside improved husbandry."
3 Comments
by Derby_born
Monday, July 25 2011, 9:58PM
“A black day for badgers as long-feared cull is confirmed. A virtual elimination of species in specific areas of England:
The RSPCA says
"The RSPCA is sympathetic to farmers struggling to cope with the effects of this crippling disease and thinks that the problem of bovine TB in cattle needs a sustainable and effective solution.
But this is not such a solution. We believe that the government has taken the wrong fork in the road with this risky policy.
This cull will contribute little or nothing to the long-term goal of eradicating TB nationally.
Instead it will wipe out huge numbers of this much-loved species, including many animals which are healthy".
http://tinyurl.com/3vxmc6f”
by scratchyitup
Monday, July 25 2011, 5:49PM
“badgers eat lizards.
[/tinfoilhat]”
by dianae
Monday, July 25 2011, 12:31PM
“The govt used the effective trapping method in the trial culls before - and they found that TB went up in neighbouring areas as badgers dispersed MORE than it went down in the cull zone. Now they are saying they will use the less effective marksman method - so watch out for much higher TB in areas bordering West Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. This is irresponsible behaviour from the govt - they KNOW that they won't be solving the issue, but causing more expense as farmers collect even more compensation plus the cost of the cull.
And think of farmers in low risk areas with top herds who are going to be hit and lose breeding lines and income. This NOT the way to go.”