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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th February 2012
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Badger Trust launches legal challenge
Pilot Cull Program challenged by charity

The Badger Trust has launched a legal challenge to the decision by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to sanction a pilot program to cull badgers in areas of West Gloucestershire and West Somerset with the aim of investigating if the practice reduces the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in a meaningful and humane manner.

The Trust has asked the High Court to overturn DEFRA's decision on three grounds. They allege that the effects of the culls would not meet the legal test of ‘preventing the spread of disease’, that the cost impact assessment is inaccurate, and that culling is not sanctioned under Natural England's mandate. Commenting, Vice Chairman of the Badger Trust Pat Hayden said “Badger Trust will exhaust all peaceful, legal avenues of challenge to prevent this wrong-headed cull from going ahead.”

Farming Minister Jim Paice MP has previously stated that the Government expected a legal challenge and prepared the policy accordingly. A DEFRA spokesman declined to comment on the legal case. However, he did say that “Nobody wants to see badgers culled, but no country in the world where wildlife carries TB has successfully controlled the disease in cattle without tackling its presence in wildlife as well. Unless further action is taken now it will continue to get worse.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.