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Gloucestershire badger cull ends
badger
Last year's culls failed on humaneness and effectiveness.

No official figures on the number of badgers culled

Badger cull pilots in Gloucestershire ended yesterday (October 20). Official figures on the number of animals culled, or whether targets have been met, are not yet available.

Licensed shooters were given a target of removing 615 badgers from populations in Gloucestershire. Last year's pilot culls in both Somerset and Gloucestershire failed to meet their target of removing 70 per cent of the badger population, despite being granted extensions.

A Defra spokesperson said: “The minimum numbers for this year’s culls have been set using the best available evidence gathered by local experts and signed-off by Defra’s chief scientist. All aspects of the culls are being independently audited.

"The numbers of badgers removed during the culls will be analysed, quality assured and audited before release. The information on safety and humaneness will also be analysed, quality assured and signed-off by the chief veterinary officer."

A report carried out by an independent expert panel (IEP) last year found the culls to be both ineffective and inhumane.

Badger culling is part of the UK's strategy to eradicate bTB. Defra's spokesperson said: “England has the highest incidence of bovine TB in Europe and this is threatening the future of our beef and dairy industries, and our nation’s food security.

"We are pursuing a comprehensive strategy to deal with the disease, supported by leading vets, which includes cattle movement controls, vaccinating badgers in the edge area and culling badgers where TB is rife."

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.