OPERATION BADGER

The badger cull is...

Unlawful:

The Bern convention clearly states that the killing of badgers is illegal; it is permissible to kill badgers to eradicate a disease, but this cull has only claimed to have a maximum effect of reducing bTB in cattle by 15%. Under the Bern convention it is illegal to kill all badgers in one area; Defra aim to kill at LEAST 70% of badgers in any cull area. As badger populations cannot be accurately counted, it would be very easy to wipe out an entire population and that would be illegal. This is reflected in the license rules. Defra’s own biased report shows that badger density is not linked to transmission to cattle rates, so how can killing badgers be legal?

Immoral:

Killing our wildlife to protect the vested interests of farmers can never be “right”.

Counterproductive:

Previous culls have actually INCREASED the incidence of bTB. Following the slaughter of their extended family, badgers leave their sett and move on. So, if badgers were ever responsible for spreading bTB, making them more mobile would not be in the farmers’ interests.

Vaccinate not Slaughter:

The vaccination of badgers is the way forward to help to reduce the incidence of bTB and to save the badger. Vaccination projects are already underway in many areas. The cost? Just £180.00, thousands of GBP less than the government claims the expenditure to be.

Operation Badger to Lead the Way?

We do need more money. Please would you consider helping us?