Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Badger Welfare

Badger welfare is at the centre of one of the UK's most contested wildlife management debates, with welfare and disease intersecting in complex ways.

Key Facts

UK badger population is estimated at 400,000 individuals despite culling operations
Bovine tuberculosis transmission between badgers and cattle is scientifically established
The UK badger cull has killed over 200,000 badgers since 2013 with ongoing welfare concerns
Badger vaccination provides an alternative to culling with significantly lower welfare costs
Cage trapping for vaccination causes short-term stress but no lasting welfare harm

Welfare Considerations

Badger welfare must be considered alongside disease management goals. Vaccination provides an effective alternative to lethal culling with significantly lower welfare costs.

What You Can Do

Support badger vaccination as a welfare-positive bTB control strategy
Advocate for science-based badger management that minimises welfare harm
Engage with the evidence on badger culling and vaccination effectiveness