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Legal challenge launched against badger cull licences
The new government has said that it plans to end badger culling.
Wildlife groups argue that the decision to grant them was unlawful.

A legal challenge against badger culling licences issued by Natural England has been launched by Badger Trust and Wild Justice.

The 26 supplementary licences, issued as part of measures to prevent the spread of bovine TB, were granted on 16 May 2024. The licences span the period from 1 June to 30 November.

Represented by the law firm Leigh Day, Badger Trust and Wild Justice have applied for a judicial review of the decision.

The wildlife groups argue that the licences were issued unlawfully against the scientific advice from Natural England’s own experts. The groups claim that the licences were granted to maintain the confidence of farmers rather than to prevent the spread of disease.

Last year saw a drop in bovine TB in England. The overall herd incidence rate of bovine TB in England was 7.5 between April 2023 and March 2024, a decrease of 0.2 compared to the previous 12 months. In the High Risk Area of England, the rate was 13.5, down from 14.1.

The new government, which was elected after the licences were granted, has said that it was elected on a mandate to end badger culling and intends to do so.

The government says that it is working with farmers and scientists on measures to eradicate the disease and plans to introduce a bovine TB eradication package that will include vaccination, herd management, and biosecurity measures.

Mark Avery, from Wild Justice, said: “The previous Conservative government leant on Natural England to approve these licences. Why would the new Labour government, which offered 'change' in its election manifesto, be prepared to defend that action in the courts?

“Not only is it not 'change', it's spending taxpayers' money on the previous government's flawed decisions.”

Both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England have said that they are unable to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.