This Thursday, October 25, MPs will discuss a proposed badger cull in Parliament.
It’s a discussion the Government didn’t want to have, but it’s a vital one as disturbing facts have started to emerge: 1) At best, the rate of bovine TB in cattle will be reduced by 16%.
2) To achieve this, 70% of badgers need to be killed. This will be devastating for the species.
3) No one seems to know how many badgers there are, so how can they kill 70%?
4) For every £1 million saved on reducing bovine TB, the cost to the taxpayer will be roughly £1.5 million.
5) 30 of the UK’s top scientists have publicly said the cull will not work.
6) Several anti-cull farmers have said better biosecurity is the way to prevent the disease.
7) A badger vaccine is a viable option and is being tried in Wales.
8) A cattle vaccine is a viable option, but is blocked by EU regulations.
9) Bill Oddie says it’s wrong, so that’s good enough for me.
OK, so the last one isn’t a great reason, but otherwise the facts speak for themselves. Let’s hope our MPs see sense and get shot of this cull.
Bovine TB is a devastating disease and farmers need support to stop it, but this isn’t the way.
Philip Mansbridge, chief executive, Care For The Wild
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel