Wildlife

Badger Welfare and Bovine TB Policy

Badgers are highly intelligent, social mammals caught between conservation and disease control policy in the UK and Ireland.

Key Facts

Badgers live in social groups called clans in underground setts
They are a protected species under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992
Bovine TB culling has been controversial since the 1990s
Badgers can live 5-8 years in the wild
They are omnivores eating earthworms, fruit, and small mammals

Welfare Considerations

Culling operations cause significant welfare concerns including injury from non-lethal shots, family group disruption, and stress. Vaccination programmes (BCG) offer a humane alternative that avoids killing and reduces TB transmission while preserving social group integrity.

What You Can Do

Support badger vaccination schemes over culling
Contact your MP about humane TB control policy
Avoid disturbing badger setts
Report injured badgers to wildlife rescue organisations
Support organisations like Badger Trust UK