As we receive reports that shooting has started in Somerset, Dorset Wildlife Trust is deeply disappointed that the government is driving forward with the badger cull in these counties, despite the strength of scientific and public opinion against it.
The Government ministry, Defra, have stated that Dorset is a reserve area for the badger cull, and if the Gloucestershire or Somerset culls do not happen for any reason, there is a likelihood that a cull will come to Dorset this year though it is yet to be licenced. Otherwise our understanding from Defra is that badger culling in Dorset would be highly likely to start next year.
The badger cull is an attempt to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) into cattle. DWT will not allow culling on its land and believes there are more effective alternative methods to control the disease.
Chief Executive of DWT, Dr Simon Cripps, said: “As an owner of a herd of cattle, Dorset Wildlife Trust is extremely sympathetic to the farmers whose cattle are affected by this devastating disease, but we urge the Government to consider the scientific evidence which suggests that the cull may spread the disease even further. The problem could even be made worse as increasing the movement of potentially infected badgers into an area cleared of badgers could risk contact between them and uninfected cattle.”
Defra’s estimates have found that a badger cull is likely to see at best a 16% net reduction of bTB in cattle, which leaves 84% of the problem not dealt with.
DWT believes that a long-term solution should be sought, and will continue to support and promote alternative solutions to the problem, such as cattle vaccination, better bio security and in the short-term, badger vaccination. DWT has already invested in badger vaccination to demonstrate there is a viable alternative to culling.
Several DWT staff and volunteers have attended a badger vaccination training course with the aim of vaccinating badgers where feasible on our land. DWT are encouraging members of the public to take action by signing the e-petition seeking alternatives to badger culling, which is the largest HM Government e-petition ever signed. You can also make a difference by writing to your local MP to tell them your concerns, signing the petition, or if you wish to support our badger vaccination programme, you can donate to our appeal. For more information, please visit: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/badgers
