Fresh calls to stop badger culling as banners appear across Derbyshire

'Stop the cull' sign at Jubilee Bridge, Matlock Bath

The banners form part of fresh action by ‘Derbyshire Against the Cull’ to make leaders reconsider plans when extending the badger cull to the area.

The cull, now in its eighth year, is part of the governments' Bovine TB Eradication Programme aiming to control and end the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle and other animals.

Badger culling has taken place in specifically-licensed areas in an increasing number of counties since the initiative began in 2013.

The controversial disease control policy has been met with opposition since its beginning.

Due to the current pandemic campaigners have been unable to march through the streets, attend events and hold information stalls, therefore the banners are a creative way to get their message across.

Lewis Foxhall, of Derbyshire Against the Badger Cull, said: “We hope the banners draw attention to the issue and show there is still very much a vocal opposition here in Derbyshire.”

The activist group is fighting back as culling is set to go ahead in Derbyshire despite it being home to the largest badger vaccination programme now in the UK, run by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

A consultation has now been launched by the government on how to manage the delivery of both badger vaccination and culling in the same area. It is asking for views in an online survey.

It reads: ‘The government has set out its ambition to move from widespread badger culling to wider deployment of vaccination, with culling only taking place where the epidemiological evidence supports it. This will necessitate badger culling taking place alongside badger vaccination. Recognising that this could impede deployment of vaccination, the government wants to manage this situation, whilst not making it impossible for farmers to come together and undertake licensed badger culls.’

ActivitisMr Foxhall added: “The proposed no-cull buffers are just lip service, in reality they will be difficult to enforce and put vaccinated badgers at risk.”

Have your say in the consulation at consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/badger-no-cull-zones-edge-area