WITH regard to the proposed pilot badger cull in the Forest of Dean and Somerset. The Government has negated its responsibility for the cull by transferring its accountability to farmers, landowners and gunmen. These must form limited company syndicates in order to obtain a culling licence.

Three issues need addressing here:

• The culled badger carcases constitute a high risk category of transmitting a communicable disease; they must, therefore, be removed and disposed of in accordance with EU control regulations.

• Secondly, should shot badgers be left to suffer through injury they fall under the Wild Mammal's Protection Act 1996, which protects animals from intentional cruelty.

Both of these constitute a crime carrying hefty fines and prison sentences.

• Thirdly, should a member of the public be injured or killed (I have witnessed this in other countries) then a more serious liability will occur.

– Steve Jones, dairy specialist, Hawsby.