RSPCA relieved at badger cull delay

"The RSPCA is extremely relieved that the badger cull in Wales is on hold while a review takes place and hopes it is just the first step to the Welsh Government reversing the plans altogether.

"Our position on this is extremely clear - we are firmly opposed to any plans for a widespread cull. The RSPCA believes the best scientific evidence indicates that a cull could make the problem of bovine TB in cattle worse rather than better through a process called perturbation.

"The Society agrees action is needed to deal with bovine TB, but does not believe action is synonymous with killing badgers. Alternatives include vaccination, increased levels of cattle testing, improved biosecurity and stricter controls on the movement of cattle.

"Let’s hope that this is only the start of things to come and, with an announcement imminent about a proposed cull in England, close attention is being paid to developments in Wales by officials over the border."