Badger probe 'hamstrung' (From Gazette & Herald)

Badger probe 'hamstrung'

A GROUP studying bovine TB is "hamstrung" by the Government's view on badgers, says the Tenant Farmers Association.

Jerry Rider, TFA national vice-chairman and the TFA's representative on the TB Forum, said: "The TFA has always sought to contribute constructively to the ongoing debate surrounding the control of bovine TB. However, in so doing our members have had to display incredible patience in the face of huge and rising problems associated with the spread of TB throughout the country

"The TFA is not seeking the unnecessary destruction of badgers. Neither is it saying that badgers are wholly responsible for the current TB crisis. However, we do believe that they are a significant contributor, but DEFRA appears intent on finding solutions to the TB problem which exonerate the badger completely."

Updated: 11:44 Wednesday, April 07, 2004