Welsh Assembly considers badger cull

[stripee]

Elin Jones, agriculture minister for the Welsh Assembly is presently considering whether to go ahead with a "pilot" cull of Badgers in Wales. The Welsh Assembly have been given £27 million to combat bTB in cattle. The proposed cull would cover an area with so called hard boundaries. It could cover the whole of a county such as Pembrokeshire. There is a real possibility that Wales could go down this route.
Amongst the committee advising Elin Jones, there is an MP, Lorraine Barrett who agrees with Badger Trust Cymru, that a Badger cull would be pointless, as shown in Ireland, and that Northern Ireland has reduced the incidence of bTB by other means such as biosecurity and cattle movement restrictions.
She does not agree with the slaughter of overwhelmingly healthy Badgers. On her web page there is a poll. Do you agree with the culling of Badgers in Wales? Anyone interested in voting can follow this link:Welcome to the Website of Lorraine Barrett AM

[galanthus]

have done so. What an utter disgrace anything else that can be done re letters etc ?

[stripee]

I read this yesterday on the Badger Trust pages re Wales, they have 2 pdf files for information. On the RSPCA web site you can contact your local AM member with a letter.

As I expect you know, galanthus, the farming unions are very strong in rural wales. And if they don't have to pay for a cull themselves as in England, then it's even more likely to happen. And most probably in Pembrokeshire as its got the sea around it. Whether they would ask for compulsory access to landowners is another thing to worry about... I think the Skanda Vale controversy (Shambo the bull) was a test of their powers, to show that everyone has to give in to what the farmers want here in Wales.The Badger Trust

[Jez]

I don't know if it will help? but i voted for sure!

[Dogghound]

I voted, I just dont get the morons that want a cull.

[stripee]

Relying on the WA for an intelligent outcome is a risk....although some in it are OK, some are not the brightest.There are not huge numbers of Badgers in south west wales. It will depend to an extent what happens in England as well.
Here is the RSPCA link:RSPCA || Campaigns

There is a letter that can be sent to your MP and Assembly members (for those living in Wales).

[Meles meles]

Another go at it then? All year we have been signing up to poll's. Dont get me wrong I shall always continue. When will they learn?

[hank]

I've just voted, but I don't think they'll take any notice of public opinion. If the 'experts' say do it, they'll do it. Still, you have to try something. Let's hope they leave the Badgers alone.

[stripee]

Well thanks for interest it all feeds in even if in a small way...tomorrow (tues) 2pm elin jones will explain the Welsh bTB strategy in the Assembly...we shall have to see what she comes up with