The Badger Trust appeals against cull decision
The Badger Trust has launched an appeal after its bid to block a badger cull in England failed. The judge ruled against the trust which claimed that the government acted illegally.
The trust said it was appealing on three grounds, including one that a cull would prompt a spread of the disease rather than prevent it. A spokesperson for The Badger Trust said it had not taken the decision to proceed to the Court of Appeal lightly and it will do "everything possible to ensure the safe survival of this iconic species".
The spokesperson added: "It underlines the trust's strong belief that the government's proposals to kill badgers in England are likely to do more harm than good,"
After the ruling last week, a Defra spokesman said: "No-one wants to cull badgers, but last year bovine TB led to the slaughter of over 26,000 cattle. We will continue to work with the farming industry so badger control in two pilot areas can start as soon as is practical."
A cull is likely to go ahead in west Gloucestershire and west Somerset.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
