17/10/2013

Badger Cull Falls Short Of Target

MPs have heard that a six-week badger cull carried out in Gloucestershire failed to meet its target.

Environment secretary Owen Paterson has reported to MPs that during the program 708 badgers were culled.

Originally estimating the badger population at some 3,400 animals, a cull target of 2,900 was set. This was later revised to a population of 2,350 with a target of 1,650.

It is understood that a chief veterinary officer at Defra has recommended the cull be extended.

(MH/IT)

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