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Badgers 'moved goalposts' says minister Owen Paterson Badgers 'moved goalposts' says minister Owen Paterson
(about 1 hour later)
A government minster said "badgers moved the goalposts" when asked why marksmen failed to reach a cull target.A government minster said "badgers moved the goalposts" when asked why marksmen failed to reach a cull target.
A pilot badger cull in west Somerset may be extended by up to three weeks in an effort to make up the shortfall.A pilot badger cull in west Somerset may be extended by up to three weeks in an effort to make up the shortfall.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson was asked if he had "moved the goalposts" by claiming the cull was a success.Environment Secretary Owen Paterson was asked if he had "moved the goalposts" by claiming the cull was a success.
"The badgers moved the goalposts. We're dealing with a wild animal, subject to the vagaries of the weather and disease and breeding patterns," he replied."The badgers moved the goalposts. We're dealing with a wild animal, subject to the vagaries of the weather and disease and breeding patterns," he replied.
The pilot culls in Gloucestershire and Somerset set out to study if badgers could be killed safely, effectively and humanely.The pilot culls in Gloucestershire and Somerset set out to study if badgers could be killed safely, effectively and humanely.
They are being carried out in an attempt to control TB in cattle, which can be spread by badgers. Opponents say they will have no impact.They are being carried out in an attempt to control TB in cattle, which can be spread by badgers. Opponents say they will have no impact.
'Reduction in disease''Reduction in disease'
The plan was to kill 70% of badgers in the areas of west Somerset and Gloucestershire by free shooting.The plan was to kill 70% of badgers in the areas of west Somerset and Gloucestershire by free shooting.
Across both regions this meant around 5,000 badgers were to be killed in total.Across both regions this meant around 5,000 badgers were to be killed in total.
But Defra sources said these targets were based on population estimates from 2012 that have proved to be highly inaccurate.But Defra sources said these targets were based on population estimates from 2012 that have proved to be highly inaccurate.
In west Somerset, the population, which had been estimated at 2,400, has now been revised downwards to 1,450. In Gloucestershire, the numbers have been lowered from 3,400 to 2,350.In west Somerset, the population, which had been estimated at 2,400, has now been revised downwards to 1,450. In Gloucestershire, the numbers have been lowered from 3,400 to 2,350.
Mr Paterson told BBC Spotlight that marksmen had killed 60% of the current numbers of badgers in Somerset. In a written statement to MPs, Mr Paterson said: "Current indications suggest that the pilot has been safe, humane and effective in delivering a reduction in the badger population of just under 60%.
"Our chief vet thinks that will lead to a significant reduction in disease," he said. "We set ourselves a challenging target of aiming to ensure that 70% of the badger population was removed.
"There's no question the cull in Somerset has been a success." "The chief veterinary officer (CVO) has advised that the 60% reduction this year will deliver clear disease benefits as part of a four-year cull.
He said extending the pilots would achieve the government's target. "However, Natural England are considering an application from Somerset for a short extension of the culling period, as provided for under the agreement with the company."
"It is a notorious TB hotspot so it is sensible to remove as many as possible," he said. But Queen guitarist Brian May, a leading opponent of the cull, branded the approach an "utter failure" and described the application for an extension as a "farce".
"It's a failure because they said they had to cull 70% and they failed to do that. They are now applying for an extension," he said.
"This is becoming a farce. They are now being told that probably the prevalence (of TB) has increased in badgers already.
"They were warned this would happen and they did not listen to the scientists."