DAIRY farmers have long blamed badgers for spreading bovine tuberculosis, yet all the while keeping cows incarcerated for much, or even all of their productive lives inside the filth and squalor of a factory farmshed.
Those animals who do not succumb to one of the many illnesses and conditions found inside these ‘disease factories’ will be sent to slaughter when their productivity declines. Their young – an unwanted by-product of milk production – are likely to meet a similar fate.
The public has spoken vociferously against badger culls through a number of consultations, and still Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) pays no attention. The clamour from dairy farmers has drowned out all rational argument.
We are, therefore, asking all people who care about badgers now to put their money where their hearts are and boycott milk.
By choosing dairy-free alternatives, compassionate people can help end the misery of dairy cows and at the same time send a strong message to dairy farmers: don’t blame badgers for your own welfare failings.
Milk-Free information packs are available free of charge from info@animalaid.co.uk or 01732 364546.
KATE FOWLER Animal Aid The Old Chapel Bradford Street Tonbridge Kent
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