Badger Protection

The Law in detail

Discussion

Badgers have had a degree of protection since 1973. This was introduced due to the persecution of badgers mainly through removal by game keepers, by the so called sport of digging setts and by taking them for baiting. Baiting is where badgers are put in a pit, usually after being disabled, for example having their backs broken, and then attacked by dogs such as Pit Bull Terriers. Betting usually takes place on how long the badger will survive.

In 1991 the protection was extended to include the badger sett. This was felt necessary due to the difficulty in prosecuting badger diggers, the harm heavy stopping by fox hunts was causing and the pressures resulting from development. This further protection was achieved largely due to the campaign efforts of the National Federation of Badger Groups. This legislation means that any interference of a badger sett needs a license.

Since 1991 badger numbers in areas where habitat is favourable have increased. These areas are predominantly those with high numbers of cattle and or sheep. This plus the added restriction on fox hunting's activities of blocking setts and the unsolved problem of badgers, TB and cattle has led to a certain degree of antagonism between farmers and badgers. As a result many question whether badgers still need the protection they receive. From a personal point of view the following points apply.

The legislation is there to prevent cruelty to a much endeared and important member of the British Countryside. The badger is one of our largest native wild animals.

Most badger problems can be solved without resorting to killing the badger.

The legislation encourages people to seek advice and thus the best solution to any problems.

Badger densities in many parts of the UK are low. Where densities are high it is due to a plentiful supply of worms - the badgers main food source. Reproduction in badgers is related to food availability and is therefore self controlling.

Badgers themselves cause few problems. They sometimes come in to conflict with farming interests through holes in fields, flattened grain crops, and damage to fencing. There have been some rare cases of badgers interfering with livestock. Where these are proven a special license for trapping can be obtained.

The one area that has caused a great deal of controversy is whether badgers have been influential in the spread of bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Discussion on this can be found in the section on badgers and T.B.