Memorandum submitted by J Simpson (BTB
17)
1. I Strongly oppose badger culling on the
following grounds:
2. It has not been proved that the badgers
have been passing TB on to cattle.
3. Cattle have been subject to other diseases
more recently foot and mouth. Some of the problems with diseased
cattle could be found in the methods of animal husbandry and farming
methods. It wasn't that long ago that it was discovered that animal
foodstuffs had been given to cattle—contrary to their natural
diet.
4. What other research has been conducted
to determine why cattle contract TB without immediately putting
badgers in the frame.
5. Why not face the inevitability that cattle
should be innoculated against TB. I understand some farmers are
refusing to have cattle with TB killed. Does this not indicate
that some farmers are very unsure of the badgers role in passing
on TB.
6. It is the government's duty to stop throwing
the problem at badgers and hope that by culling them the problem
will go away.
7. Finally—on an ethical note—have
we not moved further on than the Middle Ages if out parliament
is prepared to wipe out a species to protect our food chain. How
arrogant is it to protect human interests with such a clumsy,
thoughtless and cruel strategy.
8. What about issues of protecting wildlife
and the balance of our environment.
9. I demand that you think again and look
at the answer coming from the other direction—namely protect
the cattle from being able to contract the infection which could
come from a number of other sources. You just don't know—so—please
do not replace your anti-hunting Bill with a Badger Culling Bill.
How retrogressive is that? They are a beautiful, harmless and
shy species. Leave them alone.
February 2006
| 
