The RSPCA has reacted with anger and dismay' at the Welsh Assembly decision to include a pilot cull of badgers as part of a plan to eradicate TB in Wales.

In a letter, John Hancock, RSPCA regional manager for Wales slammed the outrageous and misinformed decision' to opt for a badger cull to reduce bovine TB in cattle.

The letter states: "Robust science has shown that a cull could have disastrous consequences for cattle and badgers alike, so leading experts are shocked by the minister's stance.

"Her decision directly contradicts the most rigorous scientific study ever produced on the impact of badger-culling on TB in cattle.

"The Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on TB was tasked by the UK Government with specific research on the effects of badger-culling on TB in cattle.

"The painstaking work took eight years, cost the lives of nearly 11,000 badgers and cost taxpayers £34million.

"The RSPCA supported the ISG's research, despite the large numbers of badgers that died in the process, because we recognised the need for firm scientific evidence on the issue.

"The resulting ISG report effectively ruled out a badger cull, concluding badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain'.

"To dismiss that and proceed with a cull makes nonsense of the ISG research and is the worst possible option for cattle and badgers."

The letter urges people to write in protest against the cull to Elin Jones, Minister for Rural Affairs, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff.

3:20pm Friday 9th May 2008

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