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29 August 2013
In an attempt to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis, a badger culling pilot has begun in Somerset, with a second due to commence soon in Gloucestershire. Setting aside the debate over the pilot programme, we wanted to post a reminder that badgers are still protected under British Law outside of those licences issued to permit the controlled removal of badgers.
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it illegal to destroy, damage or obstruct access to a sett or disturb a badger while it is using its sett. If you are planning a project and have any reason to suspect that a badger sett may be affected, please contact us for further advice.
As scientists, we feel disappointed that the data collected from the culls will not assess the current and subsequent levels of tuberculosis in the local and surrounding badger and cattle populations. Although, the culls are being assessed for how humane, effective (in terms of numbers not proportion of badgers removed) and safe they are.
