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Legal challenge launched against badger cull licences
The new government has said that it plans to end badger culling.
Wildlife groups argue that the decision to grant them was unlawful.

A legal challenge against badger culling licences issued by Natural England has been launched by Badger Trust and Wild Justice.

The 26 supplementary licences, issued as part of measures to prevent the spread of bovine TB, were granted on 16 May 2024. The licences span the period from 1 June to 30 November.

Represented by the law firm Leigh Day, Badger Trust and Wild Justice have applied for a judicial review of the decision.

The wildlife groups argue that the licences were issued unlawfully against the scientific advice from Natural England’s own experts. The groups claim that the licences were granted to maintain the confidence of farmers rather than to prevent the spread of disease.

Last year saw a drop in bovine TB in England. The overall herd incidence rate of bovine TB in England was 7.5 between April 2023 and March 2024, a decrease of 0.2 compared to the previous 12 months. In the High Risk Area of England, the rate was 13.5, down from 14.1.

The new government, which was elected after the licences were granted, has said that it was elected on a mandate to end badger culling and intends to do so.

The government says that it is working with farmers and scientists on measures to eradicate the disease and plans to introduce a bovine TB eradication package that will include vaccination, herd management, and biosecurity measures.

Mark Avery, from Wild Justice, said: “The previous Conservative government leant on Natural England to approve these licences. Why would the new Labour government, which offered 'change' in its election manifesto, be prepared to defend that action in the courts?

“Not only is it not 'change', it's spending taxpayers' money on the previous government's flawed decisions.”

Both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England have said that they are unable to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.