Wild Animals

Badger Welfare in the UK — Culling and Conservation

Badgers in the UK face significant welfare challenges from road traffic, culling, and persecution despite legal protection.

Key Facts

Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in England and Wales
The government badger cull for bovine tuberculosis has killed over 200,000 badgers since 2013
Badger persecution including baiting, digging, and snaring continues illegally
Road traffic kills around 50,000 badgers annually in the UK
Badger vaccination is an effective alternative to culling for reducing bTB transmission

Welfare Considerations

Badgers face significant welfare threats in the UK including road traffic mortality, ongoing culling for bTB control, and illegal persecution. The welfare case for shifting from culling to vaccination is supported by both welfare and scientific evidence. Stronger enforcement of existing protections and investment in vaccination could significantly improve badger welfare.

What You Can Do

Support badger vaccination programmes as an alternative to culling
Report illegal badger persecution to the police and wildlife crime officers
Advocate for investment in badger vaccination to replace culling
Support road improvement schemes that include badger underpasses
Engage with policymakers about the scientific and welfare case for vaccination over culling