Wild Badger Welfare and Bovine TB Policy

The badger culling programme in England is one of the most controversial wildlife management policies, with ongoing debate about its effectiveness and significant welfare implications.

Key Facts

The English badger cull has killed over 250,000 badgers since its expansion in 2013
Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 but can be culled under licence
Perturbation from culling may disperse infected badgers, potentially spreading bovine TB further
Cage-trapping and shooting has higher welfare standards than free shooting but is more expensive
Independent monitoring found unacceptable levels of prolonged suffering in free-shoot culls
Badger vaccination programmes using oral vaccine baits are being trialled as an alternative

Welfare Considerations

The badger cull raises welfare concerns at both the policy and operational level. Free-shooting of badgers has been documented to cause prolonged suffering in a significant proportion of cases, with wounded animals dying slowly after escaping. Cage-trapped and shot badgers have shorter suffering periods but still face trap stress. The policy effectiveness question compounds the welfare concern: if culling does not substantially reduce bovine TB, the welfare cost is imposed without the intended benefit. Vaccination programmes offer a welfare-sound alternative that deserves expanded investment.

What You Can Do

Support badger vaccination programmes as an alternative to culling for bovine TB management
Advocate for oral vaccine bait deployment to be expanded and properly evaluated
Support wildlife welfare organisations monitoring the welfare impacts of badger culling operations
Engage with your MP about the evidence on badger culling effectiveness and welfare impacts