27/08/2013

Badger Cull Begins In Somerset

The National Farmer's Union (NFU) have confirmed that a controversial badger cull has begun in Somerset.

It is understood that some 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in six weeks in an effort to control the spread of bovine TB, which it is claimed is spread to cattle from infected badgers.

Opponents of the cull, however, have described the controlled-shootings of the animals and ineffective and inhumane.

Protesters held an overnight vigil against the launch of the cull.

In a statement posted on the farmer's union website, NFU President Peter Kendall said: "I am writing to let you know that the first pilot badger control operations have begun. This is an important step not just for cattle farmers but for the whole farming industry.

"I know that many of you reading this will have suffered the misery of dealing with TB on farm – some of you for decades – and I hope now you will feel that something is finally being done to stem the cycle of infection between cattle and badgers.

"We cannot go on culling tens of thousands of cattle every year because of TB while knowing the disease exists in wildlife uncontrolled."

The cull is expected to move to Gloucestershire later this week.

(MH/JP)

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