Stop the Cruel and Unnecessary Killing of Badgers
When some cattle became ill with a form of tuberculosis (bovine TB), they started to infect others, and then started to infect the wild animals around them, too. In a desperate bid to tackle the issue of bovine TB, the Government decided to undertake badger cull trials.
Scientific studies have shown that culling badgers would be of little help in reducing bovine TB. It could actually make things worse in some areas. That means the culls will result in the needless slaughter of thousands of British badgers.
Polling has shown that more of the British public is opposed to the cull than supports it. It is vital that our MPs understand the widespread opposition to turning badgers into scapegoats for a problem they didn't cause. Badgers are native wild animals that need protection, not persecution.
Tell your MP that badgers shouldn't be the victims of a policy that won't work.
Dear [MP],
I am strongly opposed to the Government's planned badger cull. The only significant scientific study into the impact of badger culling on Bovine TB in cattle, the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT), concluded that "badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain", and it is clear that the vast majority of independent experts are also opposed to the cull.
I am concerned that despite all this evidence and the fact that all polling has shown that more of the British public is opposed to the cull than supports it, the Government seems determined to plough ahead regardless. I do not understand why the Government would pursue a policy that is not supported by science. I am very concerned that a great number of badgers will be killed, with no guarantee of humaneness, before the Government concludes what all the experts already know to be true - that the policy will not work.
I must make clear to you that such is my strength of feeling on this issue that it will impact my vote at the next general election. I would be very grateful if you could reply making clear your position on the cull, and if you are also opposed would you please write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Owen Paterson, making clear your opposition to the policy.
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Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
