A LEGAL challenge to the government’s plans to carry out a controversial badger cull in West Somerset has failed in the High Court.
The Badger Trust’s action for a judicial review of Defra’s proposals aimed at combating the spread of bovine TB was heard by Mr Justice Ouseley on June 25 and 26, and he has now rejected the challenge.
The trust tried to block the cull on three grounds: that the cull will cause the spread of bovine TB, that the financial assessment of the trial is flawed and that the power issued to carry it out is invalid.
The cull is likely to go ahead in West Somerset and West Gloucestershire later this year.
Joe Duckworth, chief executive of The League Against Cruel Sports, said: “We are extremely saddened and frustrated that, despite the lack of scientific evidence and welfare concerns raised, the decision has been made to still go ahead with such a barbaric and unnecessary procedure, one which will see thousands of badgers slaughtered.”
Mr Justice Ouseley left the option of a written appeal open to the Badger Trust and it has a week to decide whether or not to proceed with that.
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