High badger numbers force cull U-turn

THE UK government has been forced into a fresh U-turn after it had to abandon attempts to have a badger cull in England.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson had announced a badger cull earlier this month because of long-term concerns by farmers that the animals are spreading TB among cattle.

Culling had been due to start soon in two areas in south-west England, but new figures for badger numbers in the areas were much higher than expected, making it challenging to meet the target of killing enough to reduce tuberculosis in cattle.

Announcing the postponement to MPs, Mr Paterson insisted there was no change in government policy backing the cull and that he remained 
“utterly convinced” it was the right thing to do.