THE British countryside could fast become a graveyard for wild animals if the Government gets its way. Readers may be interested to hear that a decision on killing thousands of badgers is expected in the next few weeks. They could soon be under fire – quite literally – across Britain in a misplaced attempt to control the cattle disease bTB.

The question has to be as to why we, as a nation, are persecuting our natural heritage rather than cherishing and protecting it? We hear much talk about 'culling', but this is a misnomer. 'Culling' is a term used for sick and injured animals – but the majority of these animals are likely to be well and disease free.

As it is, badgers – and other wild animals – are set to be the scapegoats for land mismanagement and intensified meat and dairy farming practices. In almost every instance it is man that has caused the problem and wildlife that pays the price. Despite a continuing fall in bTB cases in cattle in both England and Wales – and all without killing a single badger – farmers and politicians seem hell-bent on this bloody route to destruction.

As it is, the decision to allow farmers to shoot badgers on their own land in England is disastrous both in terms of welfare and potentially spreading the disease.

Badgers are highly territorial and largely stay in one area. However, killing badgers will cause survivors to travel to new areas. This could have the effect of pushing bTB onto farmers' land where no bTB currently exists. Ten years of research found that 'culling' badgers would have no meaningful impact on the spread of the disease.

Justin Kerswell

Viva! campaigns manager

Wilder Street, Bristol