Mansfield & Ashfield Local Members Group

In December 2005, the government started consulting on whether to slaughter badgers to control TB in cattle. It apparently ignored evidence from its own scientists that such killing could increase the disease and that most is caused by cattle to cattle infection.

The consultation period has now ended. There was a huge response. We understand that the vast majority was totally opposed to killing badgers.  

However the decision is still very much in the balance. 

 An Early Day Motion number 1788 has been put before Parliament. It calls on the Government to note the robust scientific evidence that a badger cull will almost certainly make the situation worse. It is concerned that the proposed methods of killing badgers are inhumane and that the vast majority of badgers are not infected. It urges the Government to quickly implement the cattle measures needed to tackle the disease. Sadly many M.P's seem unaware of the situation and few have signed the motion.  

Over the course of the last few months, the Badger Trust has campaigned vigorously to stop this massive threat to the badgers.  

We now urge you to lobby your M.P. to sign the Early Day Motion. 

 If the decision does go ahead, many thousands of badgers will be shot, snared or gassed. The vast majority will be healthy. 

 You can help to stop this cruel and unnecessary killing by:

1. Sending this e-mail to as many people as possible.
2. Urging your local MP to sign the motion.

 Their contact details can be found at:

http://www.writetothem.com/ 

 We need to ensure that MP's receive a large number of letters from the public. The more they receive, the more they will listen and realise that this is an important issue. Your letter should say in your own words that you are opposed to the killing of badgers as it is not a solution to the bovine TB problem. Instead the Government should implement the cattle control measures recommended by its own scientists. 

 Please do not underestimate the seriousness of this threat to one of Britain's best-loved animals. 

 Thanks very much for your support. 

For further information please visit www.badgertrust.org.uk  /  http://www.badgertrust.org.uk