Dear Sir/Madam,
In response to the consultation on the Tuberculosis Eradication (Wales) Order 2009 I would like to submit the following views:
Q1. I agree that the necessary powers under the Animal Health Act 1981 should be conferred on Welsh Ministers for the purpose of badger control and vaccination, and that Government is the most appropriate body to deliver such strategies, where necessary through the use of contractors.
Q2: I agree that cage trapping and shooting without trapping are the most humane and appropriate ways of control, but that any emerging evidence regarding other methods should be considered where appropriate.
Q3: I agree that the scientific evidence supports the destruction of badgers as a necessary measure that will have an impact on bTB in the short to medium term.
Q4. I agree that taking into captivity, harbouring, concealing or otherwise protecting badgers to prevent their destruction for the purposes of disease control, or to in any other way obstruct or interfere with anything which has been, or is being or is to be done or used in connection with that destruction should be an offence.
Q5. I agree that the right for Welsh Ministers to develop a badger vaccination policy should be included in the Order. However, such development should not take priority over badger removal policies that have been shown to reduce incidences of bTB.
Q6. I agree that authorised persons should be able to enter land for the purpose of vaccinating badgers. However, such policies should not take precedent over badger removal policies that have been shown to reduce incidences of bTB.
Yours faithfully |
