Brian May calls badger cull go ahead 'very, very sad'
Queen star Brian May has called the news that badger culls are to go ahead "very, very sad".
May said his initial reaction was "sadness and a certain amount of frustration":
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RSPCA: Badger culls are 'senseless'
Animal welfare groups have reacted angrily to news that pilot badger culls will go ahead this summer. RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said:
– Gavin GrantDespite overwhelming scientific, public and parliamentary opposition the Government seems hell bent on pressing forward with their senseless plans to kill badgers.
All the evidence shows that the answer to the problems of bovine TB in cattle does not lie in a cull that will be ineffective, wasteful and potentially damaging to the welfare of both farm and wild animals.
We care about cattle and badgers alike and have great sympathy for the farmers dealing with the effects of this disease - but killing badgers is not the answer.
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Up to 5,000 badgers to be culled in pilot scheme
A total of up to 5,000 badgers will be killed in West Gloucestershire and West Somerset in summer culls confirmed by the Government today.
The licences for the two pilot schemes will allow culling to take place annually over a six-week period for four years.
Anti-badger cull protests outside NFU conference
Following the Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson announcing badger cull plans, protesters have gathered outside the ICC in Birmingham where the NFU conference is taking place.
Dorset area on reserve for pilot badger cull
An area in Dorset will be prepared as a reserve in case one of the existing licensed cull areas is unable to proceed, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said.
Paterson: Badger cull 'an important step'
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson today told farmers a badger cull would help prevent the spread of bovine TB:
– Owen Paterson MPBovine TB is spreading at an alarming rate and causing real devastation to our beef and dairy industry.
The authorisation letters issued today confirming culling can proceed this summer in West Gloucestershire and West Somerset is an important step towards taking the action we need to tackle the spread of this disease in wildlife.
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Badger culls will go ahead in summer, says Government
Two pilot badger culls to tackle the spread of bovine TB will go ahead this summer in West Gloucestershire and West Somerset, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson confirmed today.
Speaking at the National Farmers Union annual conference, Mr Paterson announced that authorisation letters have been issued confirming the culls can proceed.
Plans for badger cull to be delayed
by Samana Haq: ITV Westminster News EditorBadgers will get a reprieve as plans for a cull are to be delayed. But the Government says it is still committed to the policy though.
Defra: 'Government still committed to policy' on badger cull
@kengoodwinitv Hi Ken, no announcement today. Government still committed to policy.
From @DefraGovUK on Twitter:'No U-turn' on badger cull
by Alex Forrest - Political Correspondent
Defra have just cancelled our interview with Energy Secretary Owen Paterson for the second time this morning.
I'm told there will be no U-turn on badgers - and the cull will start as soon as is practical.
I think it's pretty clear that Defra were about to announce a postponement of the cull. Why have they changed their minds - again?
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