statement regarding 2019 badger cull figures

David Cowdrey, Head of Policy & Campaigns, IFAW, said: “We are saddened to hear that in 2019, more than 35,000 badgers were killed as part of the cruel and inhumane badger cull. These figures remind us why the Government’s announcement earlier this year to phase out the badger cull is so important.

“For many years, IFAW has been campaigning to put an end to a policy that has failed both farmers and British wildlife. To date, the badger cull has sadly led to the deaths of more than 100,000 badgers. Yet, there is no significant, scientific evidence to show it is an effective measure to control the spread of bovine TB.

“We welcome the Government’s new proposed five-year plan which will phase out badger culling and replace it with humane measures of controlling TB levels, including badger vaccination schemes and improved resources for farmers. It is clear from the figures released today that these changes must be introduced urgently to stop future suffering.”