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RSPCA: Nearly 40,000 voices of outrage at plans to cull badgers

POLITICS.CO.UK
Friday, 10, Dec 2010 05:42

Thousands of objections have this week been sent to the government about its latest plans for a badger cull in England. A public consultation into the controversial proposals, which could mean the eradication of 70% of the badger population in parts of the country, closed on Wednesday (December 8).

The RSPCA replied with concerns that the plans would be unlikely to work and could have severe welfare implications. It also enclosed nearly 40,000 petitions, messages and letters from the public voicing their outrage about the plans.

In the consultation, Defra said it wanted to carry out a badger cull in parts of England as part a package of measures to control bovine TB in cattle. The RSPCA believes these plans would be unlikely to work and could have severe welfare implications, and that licensing farmers and/or landowners as suggested would be inhumane and near impossible to monitor.

David Bowles, RSPCA Director of Communication, said: "Once again, the public have shown their overwhelming opposition to this cull - they could not have made their views clearer.

"It is time for the government to finally listen and act upon what they have to say. "Every person who has written in to voice their views has done so because of what they passionately believe and we hope the government will pay attention to every voice."

Notes to editors:

To date we have recorded a total number of 38,466 submissions opposing a badger cull in England from members of the public including 17,803 signatures on paper petitions; 238 postcards with signatures and messages; 15,135 registrations on our online petition (www.backoffbadgers.org.uk); 353 text messages (to 60022) and 4,937 members of the public who have written to their MP opposing a cull.

For more information and interview opportunities please contact the press office on 0300 123 0244/0288.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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