Farmers 'will not be intimidated'
NFU President Peter Kendall has told activists trying to intimidate farmers into pulling out of the planned autumn badger culls that their campaign is not working.
Mr Kendall has written to all newspapers 'to set the record straight', after a wave of media reports were published on the growing threat posed by activists, some of which claimed farmers had dropped out of the culls.
Mr Kendall said no-one has pulled out of the trial area in Gloucestershire, and insisted that farmers are 'standing firm' behind the policy, despite 'increased intimidation and harassment from animal rights activists.'
He said: “I have two messages. To the animal rights protestors who are intent on intimidating and harassing people who are simply trying to run their businesses and look after their families I would say your tactics are not working. Your campaign is based on misinformation, scaremongering and bullying with no scientific basis.
“And to the general public, I say look at the science yourself before making up your mind. Find out for yourself the impact that TB is having on the welfare of British cattle and ask which other countries have managed to get on top of TB without controlling wildlife.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
