By unlocking the export potential China offers the pig industry, not to mention the red meat sector as a whole, we could gain entry into a marketplace which comprises a fifth of the world’s population.Badger groups petition First Minister
ON the eve of tomorrow’s Appeal Court hearing in Cardiff over the Badger Trust’s claim that the Welsh Assembly Government’s planned cull of badgers, is illegal members of the Pembrokeshire Against the Cull pressure group were in the Welsh capital presenting an open letter from landowners to First Minister Carwyn Jones.
According to group spokesman, Michael Ritchie, 309 people representing 180 holdings, from smallholders to commercial farmers, had signed the letter.
He says there are a total of 900 holdings within the cull area, but very little support for the cull apart from the larger farmers.
The letter calls on the Assembly Government to postpone the cull pending a review of the latest scientific evidence, including availability of vaccine.
It also wants the devolved administration to take account of the cull’s impact on community cohesion, the local economy and the image of Wales as a progressive nation.
Should the cull go ahead, the letter also calls for recognition of the right of conscientious objection and to allow objectors to opt their land out of the cull.
While hoping the court will rule the cull illegal on Wednesday, the group maintains that even if it does not there were doubts over whether it would go ahead this year.
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Readers' comments (2)
Rowena | 1 July 2010 4:23 pm
I hope WAG will have a comprehensive re-think of the TB eradication policy, in the light of the evidence that cattle measures alone are proving effective, and with regard to the social and civil liberties issues that have been highlighted by the ill-considered implementation to date.
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Anonymous | 20 July 2011 1:53 pm
I have no time for these farmers. Their policy is - if it effects our finances and it gets in our way - kill it. Most people have never seen a badger in the wild. Why kill it. I'd sooner have one of these beautiful creatures than have half a dozen cows any time. TB is coming back to this country through immigrants being allowed in so leave the badgers alone and sort out the immigrants!
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