27/02/2013
Badger Culls Set To Go Ahead
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has announced that badger culls will go ahead later this year.
Ministers have called for the culls in an effort to stop the spread of tuberculosis to cattle, however, pilot culls in Gloucestershire and West Somerset, were postponed last autumn amid fears they could not be carried out effectively.
Following the agreement of final license conditions Mr Paterson confirmed the cull at the National Farmers Union (NFU) annual conference.
He also announced a reserve pilot will also be prepared in Dorset.
Under the plans, badgers will be shot in the open without first being trapped in cages, which is current practice.
"I am determined that there are no further delays this year," Mr Paterson said.
"That is why we have taken the sensible step with the farming industry to elect a reserve area that can be called upon should anything happen to prevent culling in Somerset or Gloucester."
(H)
Ministers have called for the culls in an effort to stop the spread of tuberculosis to cattle, however, pilot culls in Gloucestershire and West Somerset, were postponed last autumn amid fears they could not be carried out effectively.
Following the agreement of final license conditions Mr Paterson confirmed the cull at the National Farmers Union (NFU) annual conference.
He also announced a reserve pilot will also be prepared in Dorset.
Under the plans, badgers will be shot in the open without first being trapped in cages, which is current practice.
"I am determined that there are no further delays this year," Mr Paterson said.
"That is why we have taken the sensible step with the farming industry to elect a reserve area that can be called upon should anything happen to prevent culling in Somerset or Gloucester."
(H)
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