WINOL Year Three: Fourth Package “Protestors hit out against ‘disaster’ badger culls”

Hundreds of campaigners marched the streets of Winchester at the weekend in a national protest against badger culling.

The march started in Abbey Gardens and forced roads to be closed in the city.

Groups from across the South came out in force to raise awareness and BBC animal expert Chris Packham was also at the march.

The protest was the 27th of its kind and this was the first Mr Packham had attended.

Broadcaster Chris Packham said: “The badger cull is a disaster,” adding: “to cause suffering, needless suffering is abhorrent.”

This is the second year of badger culls in a four year project set out by DEFRA and Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss.

A DEFRA spokesperson said: “This is threatening the future of our beef and dairy industries,” adding: “Doing nothing is not an option. That is why we are pursuing a comprehensive strategy to deal with the disease.”

Campaigners will continue to lobby MPs before the General Election and will be marching in Birmingham in 2015.