Derbyshire farmers lose out on badger cull legal challenge

Farmers in Derbyshire have lost a legal challenge against the UK Government's decision to cancel badger culling under license in that area.
Farmers in the area were just one day away from commencing badger cull operations before the government directed Natural England to withdraw the licences in September 2019.

Using data from veterinary practitioners, it was estimated that around 77% of new cases of TB in Derbyshire were due to badger infections.

The u-turn was legally challenged as ‘unlawful’, however the final judgement on 13th May dismissed the challenge, subject to appeals. The decision was considered lawful due to political reasons, despite the fact that the farmers met all of the Government’s requirements for a licence.

Farmers in Derbyshire had a reasonable expectation that the license would be granted and the ruling may have significant implications for future bovine TB control.