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Press Release re: Radio 4 programme

 

BADGER TRUST
24th August 2011 

The Badger Trust sent the letter below to Mr. P. Kendall, President, NFU on Tuesday 23rd August 2011.

Mr. P. Kendall,
President, NFU,
Agriculture House,
Stoneleigh Park,
Stoneleigh,
Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ. 

23rd August 2011. (Sent initially by e-mail)

Dear Mr. Kendall,

BBC Radio 4 Programme "The Report" - 4th August 2011 8.00 p.m.

I am sure you are aware that Badger Trust wrote to the Secretary of State for the Environment on 15th August 2011 expressing our concerns about the above programme, but in case you have not seen the letter, a copy is attached for your information. We are appalled that farmers are openly admitting on national radio that criminal activity involving a protected species is taking place and this is to formally ask you as President of the NFU, what do you intend to do about it?

I have delayed sending this letter in the expectation that you would issue a clear public statement to your members that the illegal and inhumane gassing of badgers should cease immediately. Unfortunately your silence on the matter appears to indicate that you condone the crimes which are being perpetrated, which we find a surprising attitude from somebody in your position who will be aware both of the potential harm this is doing to the eradication of bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) and the suffering caused to the badgers.

Quite apart from the fact that the random and intermittent slaughter of badgers is likely to increase the perturbation effect, thus jeopardising the efficiency of other cattle control measures in place in the area, gassing was outlawed in 1982. This was primarily as a result of animal welfare issues but there was also concern about ineffective dispersal throughout the sett and the present government has stated that gassing will not be considered as a means of controlling the badger population. We are very concerned that there is increasing discussion in the media regarding the use of gassing for so called "red setts" together with claims that it is possible to identify not only infectious badgers but also infected setts. Such claims are unsubstantiated and false. I therefore reiterate, in your capacity as President of the NFU, what do you propose to do to help to prevent the indiscriminate gassing of badgers? Your leadership in this matter can only be of benefit to your members. Your early reply will be appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
David Williams,
Chairman.

 

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