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Poll shows badger cull attitudes

YouGov survey reveals public opinions

The results of a recent YouGov survey have revealed that the majority of people either support or are indifferent to the pilot badger cull, which began on June 1.

Of the 1,763 people to take part in the survey, 29 per cent said they supported the cull, while 22 per cent were unaware of it, and 15 per cent had no strong feelings regarding the issue.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that only 2 per cent of people regarded the badger cull as one of the most important issues facing the UK at the moment.

The survey found also that while 34 per cent of respondents were opposed to the cull, over a quarter of these said they would change their mind if the cull prevented TB from spreading to other parts of the country.

The results have been welcomed by the National Farmer's Union (NFU). Vice-president Adam Quinney said: "If we are to successfully tackle TB action has to be taken to deal with the reservoir of disease in our wildlife.

"Evidence from countries such as Ireland and New Zealand shows that when all fronts of the disease are tackled at the same time a significant reduction in TB can be achieved."

The badger cull, however, remains widely debated, with charities including the RSPCA and the Humane Society banding together to form Team Badger.

A report was issued by Team Badger on the eve of the cull, debating that the cull will be ineffective. 

 

Related News
Badger cull will be ineffective, say charities
Pilot badger culls approved

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.