Badger culling in the UK is controversial as a bovine tuberculosis control measure. Evidence for effectiveness is disputed while welfare costs are significant.
Badger culling involves significant individual animal welfare harm through the stress and injury of capture and shooting. The policy effectiveness is scientifically disputed, making the welfare cost harder to justify. BCG vaccination as an alternative achieves disease control with dramatically lower welfare impact. The badger cull represents a case where welfare, evidence, and policy all require ongoing critical engagement.