'The culls, which aim to reduce the spread of tuberculosis in cattle, have been met with fierce opposition by campaigners who are expected to stage the largest animal welfare protests against them since the ban on hunting foxes with dogs.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the
National Farmers’ Union (NFU), which represents the culling companies, have so
far refused to confirm the intended start date of the cull, which was postponed
from 2012. But there have been claims that specific traps – used to measure the
number of badgers before a cull – have been found.
Sources within Defra are said to have disclosed the intended start date for
culls to begin in Gloucestershire or Somerset is Monday and police are thought
to be preparing, the Guardian reported.'
Read more: Badger culls rumoured to be starting on Monday
Read more: Badger culls rumoured to be starting on Monday
