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The UK Government has announced a delay in a planned cull of badgers (Meles meles) which had been due to start this autumn in south-western England. The cull was aimed at reducing the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis in cattle herds; badgers can also carry the disease. The cull had become controversial and was widely opposed by animal welfare and wildlife groups, some of whom have pledged to disrupt it.
It’s welcome news that this attempt to eradicate a native mammal species – normally protected by law – from a region of the country has been postponed, and it’s to be hoped that the cull will be scrapped altogether. For now at least, a good day for British wildlife.