The badgers are innocent! (From Milford Mercury)

The badgers are innocent!

10:39am Thursday 5th October 2006 in Letters

Dear editor,

I'd like to draw readers' attention to new research which should finally bring an end to the continuing myth surrounding badgers and the spread of Bovine TB.

The National Farmers' Union has long been propelling the view that badgers spread TB to cattle.

However, new findings by top researchers, commissioned by the Government, show that the route of infection lies much more with cattle than badgers. It also says that culling badgers actually increases bovine TB in badger populations.

This follows recommendations from the government's Independent Scientific Group on bovine TB that what is needed is improved cattle controls.

Surely, David Milliband, the environment minister will now take this opportunity to stop the Government-sponsored badger snare trials which began back at Easter.

Snares are barbaric instruments that cause unnecessary suffering and stress to badgers and other animals inadvertently caught.

Jenny Barsby, Campaigner, League Against Cruel Sports.