This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-24561955
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Gloucestershire badger cull falls short of target | Gloucestershire badger cull falls short of target |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The number of badgers shot during a six-week cull in Gloucestershire has fallen short of its target, environment secretary Owen Paterson has told MPs. | The number of badgers shot during a six-week cull in Gloucestershire has fallen short of its target, environment secretary Owen Paterson has told MPs. |
| Defra said 708 badgers have been culled in Gloucestershire, just 30% of the badger population. | Defra said 708 badgers have been culled in Gloucestershire, just 30% of the badger population. |
| The original target was 2,900 badgers, based on a population estimate of 3,400 animals. The target was revised to 1,650, from a population of 2,350. | The original target was 2,900 badgers, based on a population estimate of 3,400 animals. The target was revised to 1,650, from a population of 2,350. |
| Defra has advised that the period of culling this year should be extended. | |
| 'Safe and humane' | |
| The government department's chief veterinary officer said the cull would achieve the "earliest and greatest possible impact" on bovine TB in Gloucestershire. | |
| "Natural England is therefore considering an application for an extension from the cull company in Gloucestershire," a statement from the organisation said. | |
| "A decision is expected shortly." | |
| The badger cull in Gloucestershire ended this week. A licence was granted last week to extend the badger cull in Somerset until 1 November. | |
| Defra said early indications from Gloucestershire are that, as in Somerset, the pilot has been "safe and humane". | |
| Last week Mr Paterson said the government was exploring the possibility of gassing badgers to cull carriers of bovine TB. |