RSPCA calls for badger cull policy to be reversed
Petition reaches landmark number in record time
The RSPCA is calling on the UK Government to reconsider plans to kill badgers in England after a petition against it reached a landmark figure.
The e-petition launched by the Stop the Cull campaign has reached 100,000 signatures in just two weeks – which means the government has to now consider giving the issue parliamentary time.
Chief Executive Gavin Grant said: “This campaign is gathering an incredible momentum – the number of signatures has doubled since last Wednesday. It could end up being the biggest e-petition ever.
“The speed of this growth shows the scale of public interest in this issue – the UK Government must now listen to what the public are saying and give this matter some parliamentary time.
“It needs to look at this science and reverse this short-sighted decision immediately to one of vaccination – let’s cure and not kill.
“Thank-you to everybody who has supported this campaign and I urge anyone who agrees with us and hasn’t yet signed the e-petition to please do so today. This is our chance to be heard.”
The RSPCA was devastated when the first license was granted for the badger cull last week and is calling on Defra to reverse this short-sighted policy.
Science has shown that a cull will be of little help in reducing this disease in cattle and yet at least 70% of the badger population will be wiped out in the pilot areas – a virtual elimination of this much loved British species.
You can sign the e-petition by going to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/38257
Alternatively, please follow us at www.stopthecull.com and support the Stop the Cull page on Facebook
Notes to editors
The Stop the Cull campaign is pushing for the government to rethink their policy and implement a vaccination programme, along with, increased levels of testing, improved farm biosecurity and stricter controls on the movement of cattle rather than culling 70% of the badger population, the vast majority of which are disease free. The Welsh government, using the same scientific evidence as Defra, has begun a five year vaccination programme of badgers in Wales.
It is a partnership with a coalition of organisations including Save Me (run by rock guitarist Brian May), the League Against Cruel Sports and Humane Society International (UK).
We are calling on all those who are against this cull to sign the petition on http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/38257
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
Katya Mira
RSPCA Press Officer
KMira@rspca.org.uk
03001230290
"Fancy running for a great cause? Apply for an RSPCA place on the Great South Run now: http://www.rspca.org.uk/
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