I WRITE with concern about one of our country's most loved wild creatures, the badger. Badgers are under fire from many within in the farming community who claim they spread TB to cattle. The Labour Government conducted a seven year scientific cull, which in 2007 concluded "that badger culling is unlikely to contribute usefully to the control of cattle TB in Britain". There is no scientific evidence that badgers spread TB, beyond the fact that they are capable of carrying it.

I think the blame for the spread of this disease belongs with the intensive farming methods in which these creatures are forced to live.

The Government is conducting a public consultation on the issue of badger culling, the deadline is December 8. By next year our wildlife could be decimated at the hands of the Government and the farming lobby.

I would urge readers to take part in this consultation (through the DEFRA website). Please also see www.badgerprotectionleague.com.

Jo Penny,

Easton.