Badgers in Northern Ireland: Update 1.4.22

Over the last month, we’ve been getting ready for a potential challenge of a proposed Badger cull in Northern Ireland. Thanks to your generous support, this morning we’ve surpassed £30,000 towards our legal costs in our Crowdfunder – thank you to every one of you who has donated.

Last week, we heard some news – news of a Badger cull was formally announced by Edwin Poots,

 Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland. This proposed cull will likely see around 4,000 Badgers killed in one year, largely using the inhumane method of shooting.

Wild Justice is challenging this decision in the courts alongside our friends and partners in the Northern Ireland Badger Group (NIBG). We’re hitting the ground running; a cull could start as early as July this year so we need to act fast. On Tuesday we filed an application for judicial review of this decision at the Royal Courts of Justice in Northern Ireland, asking for an early hearing.

We say the consultation about whether to go ahead with the controversial programme of shooting Badgers withheld vital information so that contributors were not able to participate effectively. Our legal team have been working hard so far, but we’ve still a long way to go.

We can’t do this without your support. Over 1,100 of you; wildlife advocates and campaigners, have donated to our Crowdfunder so far. We’re blown away. Please spread the word and consider donating if you can.