Government department DEFRA are currently attempting a badger holocaust, mostly in the south-west and the peak district. This is because farming interests claim a link between bovine tuberculosis and badgers. It is insane to exterminate our native wildlife over large areas of the country because there MIGHT be a link with TB in cattle. Most bovine TB is spread by poor farm hygiene, overcrowding and stress, and unregulated movement between areas - the badger is being scapegoated, rather than facing the grim reality of the unsustainablity of industrial farming.

Badgers are caught overnight in cage traps, and "collected" by DEFRA workers in the morning; badgers are shot and sent to a lab for analysis. Activists who object to the slaughter (badgers are supposedly the most legally "protected" of UK wildlife!)have been sabotaging the cull. They go out at night and remove or destroy the traps, releasing any badgers already caught. Support is needed - look at the excellent website  http://www.badger-killers.co.uk/ and find out how you can help.