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Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Badgers: Animal Welfare and Disease Control

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to tackle (a) badger baiting and (b) badger culling in the South West.

Answer

Badger persecution is a UK wildlife crime priority, and a police-led Tactical Delivery Group exists to tackle offences against badgers. Defra is providing £530,000 in the financial year 2026-2027 for the National Wildlife Crime Unit, which helps prevent and detect wildlife crime such as badger baiting. In England and Wales, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provide protection against killing or injuring badgers. Anyone who breaches this legislation could face up to a six-month custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine.

The 2025 season marked the final year of culling in the High Risk and Edge Areas of England. Accordingly, all badger cull licences granted in the South West have now expired, and no further licences can be issued under that policy.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15098
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Animal welfare Badgers Disease control
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk