RSPCA: Last chance to save badgers and tell the government how you feel
The RSPCA is urging action before an imminent decision about a badger cull in England. It is believed that the government will announce plans to license the shooting of badgers in the next couple of weeks.
The Society is firmly opposed to any plans for a widespread cull, and believes now maybe the last chance for those who agree to voice their views. Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, who recently became an RSPCA Vice President, has added his voice to this campaign, saying that now might be the last chance for people to tell the government what they think.
As part of a consultation last year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) put forward a proposal for a badger cull in parts of England as part of a package of measures to control bovine TB in cattle.
The plans, which could mean the eradication of 70% of the badger population in large parts of the country, involved farmers and landowners being licensed to carry out and fund the cull themselves through a variety of methods including free-shooting.
The RSPCA is firmly opposed to proposals for a cull and has long battled against various proposals put forward, and previously dismissed, by different governments. It thinks these plans would be unlikely to work and could have severe welfare implications, and that licensing farmers and/or landowners as suggested could be inhumane and near impossible to monitor.
The society is asking those who support this campaign to write to their MP as a matter of urgency and ask them to pass on a message to the Prime Minister to let him know how they feel.
"A decision about whether badgers are to be culled is due imminently. There is no time to waste, now is the time for anyone who feels as strongly as I do on this subject to act," says wildlife expert and life-long badger fan Chris Packham.
"Badgers are fascinating creatures which I consider to be an quintessential part of our English countryside. Added to this their death would most likely be in vain as scientific studies suggest that culling them could increase the risk of transmission of bovine TB in cattle rather than reduce it. "I wholeheartedly support the RSPCA's opposition to this proposed badger cull. If you do too, please do all that you can to let the government know how you feel."
Notes to editors:
— For more information and interview opportunities please contact the press office on 0300 123 0244/0288.
— Please see www.giveanimalsavoice.org.uk for more information about the campaign and how to contact Caroline Spelman MP.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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