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20/03/2012
Badger Cull Scrapped
A controversial plan to cull badgers has been dropped by the Welsh government.
The plan was hoped to wipe out bovine TB in cattle but environment minister John Griffiths said after carefully considering the scientific evidence he has instead opted to vaccinate the animals.
The cull had been put on hold and a review of the science involved in controlling bovine TD was commissioned after last years assembly elections but Mr Griffiths has scrapped the cull altogether and said a five-year vaccination programme will be used instead.
Mr Griffiths said he remained committed to eradicating a "terrible disease" that had "devastating" consequences.
"I have visited and spoken to a number of cattle farming families across Wales," he said.
"I know from listening just how difficult it is and how the consequences of TB can be devastating."
"At present I am not satisfied that a cull of badgers would be necessary to bring about a substantial reduction in cases of TB in cattle," Mr Griffiths added.
The cull was drawn up under the previous Labour-Plaid coalition Welsh government. At last May's election, Labour said it would take a science-led approach to the policy.
(H)
The plan was hoped to wipe out bovine TB in cattle but environment minister John Griffiths said after carefully considering the scientific evidence he has instead opted to vaccinate the animals.
The cull had been put on hold and a review of the science involved in controlling bovine TD was commissioned after last years assembly elections but Mr Griffiths has scrapped the cull altogether and said a five-year vaccination programme will be used instead.
Mr Griffiths said he remained committed to eradicating a "terrible disease" that had "devastating" consequences.
"I have visited and spoken to a number of cattle farming families across Wales," he said.
"I know from listening just how difficult it is and how the consequences of TB can be devastating."
"At present I am not satisfied that a cull of badgers would be necessary to bring about a substantial reduction in cases of TB in cattle," Mr Griffiths added.
The cull was drawn up under the previous Labour-Plaid coalition Welsh government. At last May's election, Labour said it would take a science-led approach to the policy.
(H)
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27 August 2013
Badger Cull Begins In Somerset
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) have confirmed that a controversial badger cull has begun in Somerset. It is understood that some 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in six weeks in an effort to control the spread of bovine TB, which it is claimed is spread to cattle from infected badgers.
Badger Cull Begins In Somerset
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) have confirmed that a controversial badger cull has begun in Somerset. It is understood that some 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in six weeks in an effort to control the spread of bovine TB, which it is claimed is spread to cattle from infected badgers.
17 September 2012
First Badger Cull License Issued
Despite a decade long trial on the benefits of badger culling concluding there were only modest benefits, the first licence allowing farmers to shoot the animals, in an attempt to reduce cattle TB, is to be issued on Monday.
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23 February 2004
Sitting Labour MP for Reading East deselected
A Labour Party constituency branch has voted to deselect its sitting MP as candidate for the Reading East constituency. The local party members apparently "overwhelmingly" rejected Jane Griffiths, 49, in favour of Reading Borough Councillor Tony Page.
Sitting Labour MP for Reading East deselected
A Labour Party constituency branch has voted to deselect its sitting MP as candidate for the Reading East constituency. The local party members apparently "overwhelmingly" rejected Jane Griffiths, 49, in favour of Reading Borough Councillor Tony Page.
15 September 2010
Badger Culls Planned By Government
The Government has published proposals which would allow farmers to cull badgers as part of measures to control bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Defra has launched a consultation on the proposal to issue licences to farmers and landowners who wish to cull and/or vaccinate badgers at their own expense.
Badger Culls Planned By Government
The Government has published proposals which would allow farmers to cull badgers as part of measures to control bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Defra has launched a consultation on the proposal to issue licences to farmers and landowners who wish to cull and/or vaccinate badgers at their own expense.
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