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.