I REALLY do think the poor old badger has become a scapegoat to try and eliminate tuberculosis in cattle.

The infection to cattle could easily be transmitted by rats, mice, moles and voles, and even rooks, pigeons and any other creature or vermin existing and living in open pastures. These should be taken into consideration and any retribution placed on the badger should go on hold until proven.

Also, it is possible that the badger population has been passed any such infection by the above mentioned. So I trust the Environment Secretary has been informed before passing the death sentence on innocent badgers.

George W Lansbury Hucclecote