Vote Against A Badgercull: Bovine TB

DO THE RIGHT THING!!
VOTE AGAINST A BADGERCULL

http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/badgers-petition
www.rethinkbtb.org/
SAY NO AntiBadgerCull Song http://khu.sh/usersong_4e47c771d65b8
BOVINE TB ITS TIME

FOR A RADICAL RETHINK:
Chronic and debilitating Wrecking Families Putting people out of business Destroying their livehoods
If you care about
then its time to test the CALLING ALL THOSE AGAINST A BADGERCULL!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP US TRY TO REVERSE THIS SO WRONG DECISION PLEASE TAKE JUST 2 MINUTES TO HELP US REACH THIS GOAL together we can do it but you have to pass this on to as many people as possible!!!
Please SIGN & RETWEET this PETITIONWE NEED SIGNATURES BY 20 Sept 2011 http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/badgers-petition
Most of the experts involved in the original 10 year badger cull trials warn against it
http://blog.lancashirebadgergroup.org.uk/2010/09/04/report-from-the-badger-trust-conference-2010-the-sciencebehind-our-stance-on-the-cull/
NOT THE DISEASE BUT THE POLICY!!!!
The Conclusions of the paper that Caroline Spelman read extracts from when she announced a cull actually said a cull was not the way forward SHE DID NOT READ THAT BIT! At the very best a reduction in bovine TB of less than 16%, can be achieved by culling and this would officially take 9 YEARS that is not good enough justification for the slaughter of almost a third of our badgers, we need a better solution A cull could very well make things worse and increase bovine TB - culling breaks down territorial boundaries and increases the number of badgers with the disease. Culling badgers CANNOT contribute to a healthier badger population One of the governments criteria for the culling is to create hard boundaries to stop badgers fleeing to other areas, such as rivers BADGERS CAN SWIM!! Aside from that, the cost of culling badgers is massive In England, the government has cancelled the majority of the field tests of badger vaccination, no reason other than cost has been given. But sources have stated that they are beginning to show promising results, without any of the perturbation effects (badgers spreading disease further when fleeing), or, for the people in this country that value their wildlife, any culling
VOT
Modern intensive farming practices attract parasites and diseases, animals are pumped full of antibiotics and hormones, one reason why bovine TB is a problem in the UK, this is a man-made problem It was the cattle that originally infected the badgers back in the 1970s The current testing method for bovine TB is an archaic flawed test the same positive reactor result comes back from both an infected animal and one that has resistant antibodies against bovine TB rendering the test practically useless with vaccines A NEW TEST IS VITAL! A lot of farm land is over processed leading to badly conditioned soils. Cattle foodstuffs have changed considerably over the last 20 years and are very much maize based lacking a lot of essential minerals some testing has shown that when both cattle and badgers are given adequate supplements such as selenium the incidence of bovine TB has decreased. Some extensive research done concluded that the spread of maize farming from the South West northwards ties in exactly with the spread of TB. http://www.foodandlife.co.uk/2010/12/bovine-tb-badgered-by-bureaucracy/ The spread of TB in humans is increased with poor housing, poor diet and overcrowding, hmmmmm!! http://www.ourjeet.com/general1/research.asp

www.rethinkbtb.org/
BOVINE TB ITS TIME

FOR A RADICAL RETHINK:
Chronic and debilitating Wrecking Families Putting people out of business Destroying their livehoods
http://www.rethinkbtb.org/
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/badgers-petition QUOTE FROM Food, Life and All That by Rob Elliott
http://www.foodandlife.co.uk/2010/12/bovine-tb-badgered-by-bureaucracy/
In the end, this is not really about badgers its about something much bigger. Yet badgers are important. Not because they look cuddly and they have endearing little stripy faces, but because they are part of a natural world that we as a species have chosen to live apart from and exploit for our own gains, a natural world that was here before us, before our domesticated animals and before our filthy and hazardous industrial practices. We have a TB problem because we have made our land, our plants and our domesticated animals sick. Our dairy cattle in particular have been exploited to a degree that makes 19th Century slave labour look positively benign. Our hybridised Holsteins are monstrous creations fed an unnatural diet and milked to an early death. Just one part of the industrial farming jigsaw, those animals symbolise for me a relationship with nature that has gone terminally wrong.
VOT
NOT THE DISEASE BUT THE POLICY!!!!
We have to get the PETITON signed by as many AS POSSIBLE!

Members of the INDEPENDENT SCIENTIFIC GROUP ON CATTLE TB that carried out a 10 year trial on a badgercull responded as follows after the recent announcement from DEFRA that culls would go ahead............
(Response paper from INDEPENDENT SCIENTIFIC GROUP ON CATTLE TB :- F.J. Bourne, C.A. Donnelly, D.R. Cox, J.P. McInerney, G. Gettinby, W.I. Morrison & R. Woodroffe)
"We fully appreciate the economic hardship and stress that TB places on cattle farming communities, and agree that current measures appear insufficient to control this disease. Although national trends are difficult to interpret, it appears that the cattlebased controls currently being applied may have halted, but not reversed, the exponential increase in cattleTB. Our own work confirms that badgers are a source of infection for cattle and we understand farmers, and Defras, wish to address this source. Nevertheless, careful consideration of our own and others scientific data raises serious concerns that DEFRAs PROPOSAL COULD RESULT IN CULLS WHICH RISK INCREASING CATTLE TB RATHER THAN REDUCING IT." This exercise in wilful stupidity betrays an approach to the natural world that has scarcely altered since the Dark Ages. We still act as if we have been granted dominion over it. Those with an economic interest seem to regard any species which might compete or conflict with them as a threat not only to their income but also to their power. (GEORGE MONBIOT - 1995 United Nations Global 500 Award for outstanding environmental achievement)

www.rethinkbtb.org/
PEOPLE AGAINST A BADGERCULL

Sir David Attenborough
Those who do not think a badger cull will work :SIR DAVID COX
The UKs most famous Statistician charged by the government a few years ago with the statistical design and analysis of the very large scientific survey to establish whether killing badgers would actually reduce TB in cattle.
Chris Packham
Simon King OBE Bill Oddie Dr Brian May CBE Alan Titchmarch Simon Cowell MBE (from Wildlife SOS) Joanna Lumley OBE
LORD KREBS / CHRISTL DONNELLY

Leader and Member of the ISG (Independent Scientific Group) a group containing some of the countrys top statisticians who reported to the government after NINE years of work of exhaustive research, field trials comparing experimentally culled and unculled areas, with investigation and analysis of the results that a cull of badgers would BE UNLIKELY TO CONTRIBUTE USEFULLY TO THE CONTROL OF TB IN CATTLE AND WOULD MOST PROBABLY BE INEFFECTIVE!!
VOT
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

Arguably one of our countrys most respected naturalists said: The evidence is that a badger cull on a scale or level of efficiency that seems feasible will not solve cattle farmers' problem that problem is truly serious. Understandably, the feeling is that something must be done, but the evidence is that it should not be a badger cull.
SIMON KING OBE

Renowned British television presenter and cameraman, specialising in nature documentaries, has been working in the field of natural history film making for over 30 years:
We are on the brink of witnessing a gross miscarriage of justice, where the victims are innocent and nave and have no voice to speak for themselves. I refer to the proposed killing, or as some would prefer to use - culling - of wild badgers, which is being contemplated by our Coalition Government and the Welsh Assembly. The scientific work looking into the link between wild badgers and Bovine TB in cattle in this country, conducted at great expense and with impartial participants, has left no doubt as to the inefficacy of a badger cull in the control of the disease in Britain. It would at best, be a complete waste of time and money, and at worst a travesty, killing hundreds of healthy wild badgers with no long term effect on the control and management of bovine TB.
(contd..)

www.rethinkbtb.org/

Those who do not think a badger cull will work :(contd..)
CHRIS PACKHAM
Well liked and popular English naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter (BBC Springwatch) and author:
Will there ever be a day in my lifetime when I can wake up and know that Badgers are Mustelids and not Scapegoats? The science has been done, the writing is on the wall, but still this lunacy goes on . . .
Chris Packham
BILL ODDIE
English author, actor, comedian, presenter, artist, naturalist and musician:
Will a cull of badgers curtail the spread of bovine TB in cattle? Or not? Is badger poo the smoking gun? How many years have there been discussions, arguments, research, disagreements and dithering? The cull is on. No, the cull is off. Its on again, its off again. The latest pronouncement is that the government is minded to allow a cull. Do we translate that as we think we will, but were not quite sure yet? We are also minded to dither a bit longer, if you dont mind. Well, we do mind. And we are minded to continue minding, until you recognize that the vast majority of authoritative scientific research suggests that a cull would not achieve the desired result, and that a large percentage of people find it morally objectionable. Please accept that and then if you dont mind - make a democratic decision. Call it off!
VOT
ALAN TITCHMARSH
Popular English gardener, broadcaster and novelist:
I am supporting the Badger Protection League in their fight against killing badgers
MICHAELA STRACHAN
English television presenter (The Really Wild Show, BBC Countryfile, Orangutan Diary):
The more I look at the world the more absurd I think everything is. Why have an expensive and lengthy scientific study on the link between badgers and bovine TB in cattle, which determined that culling badgers was not the answer, and then ignore it! In the badger case it's been proved that slaughter isn't the best way so why the heck are we doing it. It's just so so wrong. I try so hard to stay positive about humanity but when things like this happen it just fills me with despair.
JOANNA LUMLEY OBE

English actress, author, human rights activist, charity and animal rights advocate:
We must not make badgers scapegoats for bovine TB.
(contd..)

www.rethinkbtb.org/

Chris Packham
SIMON COWELL MBE

Director of Wildlife Aid Foundation, presenter (Wildlife SOS):
The scientific case for a badger cull is very shaky indeed, and for every study that recommends culling there are several that say it would be pointless and would do nothing to stop the spread of Bovine TB". It would be environmentally destructive and politically risky. The Prime Minister and the Environment Secretary must rule out a badger cull now, before it is too late. Otherwise they will end up embroiled in yet another messy political controversy, from which they will eventually - inevitably - have to retreat, though not before the senseless slaughter has begun and thousands of badgers have died. The badger is a protected species under the law and in the circumstances it is disgraceful that any government should want to disregard this important legal protection by promoting a large-scale slaughter of these wonderful creatures. It is interesting that in Scotland they have achieved TB-free status through testing and without killing any badgers. If they can do it north of the border, they should be able to do the same thing in England too.
VOT
DR BRIAN MAY CBE

English musician and astrophysicist most widely known as the guitarist and a songwriter of the rock band Queen! SAVE ME is a group founded by Brian May to promote decent treatment for animals. They believe that every creature deserves a decent life and a decent death. They continue to be true to their policy of supporting anyone in any political party who is on the side of protecting our wild animals:
The present Coalition Government is preparing to grant farmers licences to kill our British badgers, in an attempt to control the spread of Bovine TB (bTB) in cattle. Morally, this is an indefensible atrocity especially since it is due to cattle-farming that this disease has infected our ancient Badger population which dates back to a time before Humans inhabited the British Isles. But it is also a scientific certainty that this CULL cannot work, and may well make matters worse for cattle. Thousands of innocent creatures are about to be slaughtered for nothing.
LEAGUE AGAINST CRUEL SPORTS

The League is a charity that brings together people who want to stop cruelty to animals in the name of sport. Established in 1924, they successfully use lawful investigations, campaigning and lobbying to make a difference in the UK and around the world:
The League opposes the proposed badger cull on two main grounds. Firstly, a cull would fly in the face of scientific evidence about how to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis, and could even exacerbate the problem. And secondly, authorising a cull would create a new bloodsport by licencing the shooting of badgers for gun-toting volunteers. We are calling for a badger vaccination programme instead of a cull.
(contd..) http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/badgers-petition

www.rethinkbtb.org/

Chris Packham
RSPCA
The oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world:
The RSPCA is extremely dismayed to learn that the Government is only going to vaccinate badgers against bovine TB in a limited area of Gloucestershire, rather than six areas in Staffordshire, Herefordshire/Worcestershire and Devon as was originally planned. We believe this is a very shortsighted policy. Using the recently-approved badger vaccine is an important step in the right direction. Vaccinating badgers combined with increasing the level of cattle testing, improving biosecurity and imposing stricter controls on the movement of cattle are the ways most likely to be sustainable and effective in reducing the incidence of bovine TB. On the basis of the current science, welfare concerns, and a realistic assessment of what is practical, any decision for a widespread cull of badgers would be totally unacceptable to the RSPCA.
VOT
THE WOODLAND TRUST

The Woodland Trust is a conservation charity in the United Kingdom concerned with the protection and sympathetic management of native woodland heritage:
The Woodland Trust is sympathetic to the impact that bTB has on farmers livelihoods. We believe the ISGs work, and ongoing monitoring of RBCT areas by Imperial College (London), shows culling badgers is not the solution to bTB in the UK. Sustained and widespread culling is uneconomic, impractical and publicly unacceptable. It could also cause local extinction of badgers, contravening The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, which requires any exploitation of certain animals, including badgers, to be regulated to keep the population out of danger. Actions preventing damage to livestock are allowed (Article 9) but only when there is no other satisfactory solution. Cattle-based measures should, therefore, be pursued in preference to badger culling. The Woodland Trust will continue to: Refuse access to sites in our ownership for the purpose of culling badgers unless required by law Work with partner organisations to oppose badger culling, in favour of cattle-based solutions and increased biosecurity to keep badgers and cattle apart.
PEMBROKESHIRE AGAINST THE CULL

Pembrokeshire Against the Cull is a group of landowners, farmers and residents living in the proposed badger cull area:
We take bovine TB seriously and recognise its impact on the farming community, of which many of us are a part. However, we oppose killing badgers because scientific trials have shown that it is unlikely to help. Badger populations would need to be decimated over many years and huge areas, with perhaps a very small bTB reduction in the immediate cull area, but an increased incidence on neighbouring farms.
(contd..) http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/badgers-petition

www.rethinkbtb.org/


Any such cull would be an unacceptable assault on native wildlife, and is likely to prove so impractical that it would make the problem worse. Experts acknowledge that a tighter testing regime for cattle, much better handling of bTB occurrence on farms and better biosecurity will lower the incidence and spread of bTB, paving the way for vaccination of both badgers and cattle in the imminent future.
Chris Packham
THE BADGER TRUST

Badger Trust promotes the conservation and welfare of badgers and the protection of their setts and habitats for the public benefit. They are the leading voice for badgers and represent and support around 60 local voluntary badger groups. Badger Trust provides expert advice on all badger issues and works closely with Government, the police and other conservation and welfare organisations:
VOT
A badger cull would be a massively irresponsible gamble that could backfire on farmers and prove hugely unpopular with the public. The forecast possible reductions in bTB are small and spread over a huge time frame - nine years until 2020. They are also highly speculative, relying on a large-scale, sustained, simultaneous cull over a large area. They are also, damningly, based not on science but on guesswork. The impact and efficacy of shooting free-running badgers - many of which will inevitably be wounded - is based not on hard proof but on supposition because shooting has never been tried before. Perturbation is known to have a major negative effect on culling effectiveness but the Government, in its haste to unload costs on to farmers, is ignoring that key fact. It was clear from the minutes of the DEFRA science meeting released on 4 July that one cannot reliably extrapolate from the RBCT results if one takes a significantly different approach to their methodology, as appears to be planned by DEFRA. Even following the RBCT methodology closely, the benefits are miniscule and the process is costly. The group concluded that vaccination was effective and had none of the negatives of culling."
MARY CREAGH MP
Shadow Labour Environment Secretary:
People power could force rethink on badger cull plans. Public support must be mobilised in the same way as the forest sell-off to force the government to revisit the science. Labour's approach in government was - and continues to be - led by this science. In July, the government announced a consultation to license the shooting of badgers. Free shooting as a method of controlling bovine TB has not been tested anywhere. We need a science-led approach to this issue, not a knee-jerk reaction. We now need to mobilise public support again to force ministers to return to the science. The government's badger cull is driven by short-term political calculation. The nation's leading scientific experts met in April this year to revisit the research. They concluded that a cull would cut TB in cattle by just 16% after nine years, and then, only in conditions that were the same as Labour's RBCT. Those trials used cage trapping and shooting of badgers, the most humane method, but that method costs 2,500 per km square a year.
(contd..)

www.rethinkbtb.org/


Free shooting has never been tested as a way of controlling bovine TB, but in the government's eyes it has the enormous advantage of being cheap, at just 200 per km square a year. Free shooting is cheap but it is not a silver bullet. Last year, environment ministers cancelled five of Labour's six trials of a vaccine for badger TB. Why did they not give those vaccine trials a chance to work, or use the vaccine as a biological cordon sanitaire to prevent further geographic spread of the disease northwards? Defra estimates that 50,000-90,000 badgers will be culled over four years. The costs to farmers will exceed the benefits and will increase bovine TB in the short term. The costs of bovine TB to the taxpayer will rumble on as testing and compensation continue to be paid. The coalition agreement promised farmers a "science-led" approach on bovine TB. This cull has no scientific basis, may not work and could make matters worse. It is bad for taxpayers, bad for farmers and bad for badgers and has the lingering whiff of the forest sell-off to it.
Chris Packham
VOT
SO IF YOU FEEL AFTER READING ALL THIS THAT A BADGERCULL IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS COUNTRY NOW IS THE TIME TO
VOTE AGAINST A BADGERCULL HELP US GET THE MINIMUM OF 100,000 SIGNATURES WE NEED AND ITs IMPERATIVE YOU PASS THIS ONTO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN!! MANY THANKS FOR YOUR TIMETOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS FOLKS!!

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DO THE RIGHT THING!!