RSPCA: Say 'no' to new plans for a badger cull in England

Wednesday, 15 September 2010 12:00 AM

A public consultation was announced today (15 September) into whether a badger cull in some areas of England should make up part of a package of measures to control bovine TB in cattle. This is despite the fact that a previous consultation showed 95% of respondents were opposed to a cull.

People have been given until Wednesday 8 December to express their views to the government. The RSPCA remains firmly opposed to any plans for a widespread cull based on current science, welfare concerns and practicality.

The society believes the government should listen to public opinion. The new consultation follows a decision by the previous government in 2008 not to embark on a badger cull after the publication of independent scientific advice* and a previous consultation which showed overwhelming public opposition.

David Bowles, Director of Communications for the RSPCA, said: "Now is the time to act. The results of the previous consultation show very clearly that a badger cull is not what people want. It is vital that this new government listens to the same message as the last one. "Scientific evidence has proved culling would have a limited benefit on the disease and in surrounding areas outside the cull it may increase the disease in cattle."

The RSPCA is also concerned that in these austere times the government may devolve killing badgers to farmers, which would be a recipe for disaster.

The society agrees there is a problem with bovine TB but believes a recently-approved TB vaccine for badgers combined with increasing the level of cattle testing, improving biosecurity and imposing stricter controls on the movement of cattle are the ways most likely to be sustainable and effective in reducing the incidence of bovine TB amongst cattle.

Senior RSPCA scientist Colin Booty said: "Our opposition to a badger cull is based on solid science not sentiment. "There is compelling evidence which shows a policy of badger culling is unsustainable, and could even worsen the spread of bovine TB due to a process known as perturbation."

Notes to editors:

- * The Independent Scientific Group on cattle TB (ISG) published its final report in 2007. It was the result of painstaking research over nearly ten years, cost the lives of about 11,000 badgers and cost taxpayers £50 million. It concluded that killing badgers could actually increase the spread of bTB, making matters worse rather than better. It said, "badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain" www.defra.gov.uk

- People can register their opposition by writing to Defra before the deadline. They can make their voice known further by also writing or emailing their MP. Visit www.backoffbadgers.org.uk or www.giveanimalsavoice.org.uk for more information and a pre-drafted letter to send or email to their MP. People can also text BADGER to 60022.

- Interviews are available on request. Please call the Press Office on 0300 123 0244 to arrange.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099

Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

Tags: