Campaigners slam 'cruelty' to badgers
CAMPAIGNERS have branded a council 'cruel' for its treatment of badgers living on an old railway line.
Hampshire County Council is clearing the line between Gosport and Fareham to make way for a 20m high-speed bus route.
But in doing so it is having to move more than 20 badgers from their setts into artificial setts nearby.
Residents and wildlife experts have said the plan is failing as the creatures are not taking to their new homes. They claim the animals are now so stressed that two have already strayed and been found dead on the roadside.
Brian Masterton, a wildlife consultant who has studied badgers since the 1960s, said: 'It's disgusting what's being done.
'The council has put gates on the entrances to the badgers' setts such that once the animals are out they can't get back in.
'But there are security guards with dogs on site and so the dogs will frighten and deter the badgers from coming out anyway.
'The artificial setts are also a shambles. The structures are not suitable at all. Badgers like to burrow, but these setts are made out of pipes, plastic and wire. It's ridiculous.
'The badgers are not using them. The council should have made setts out of natural materials like earth. The whole thing must be causing the badgers immense stress.
'There have already been two found dead on the roadside nearby. The animals are disorientated and don't know where to go.'
Resident Viv Morge, 57, of Wych Lane, Gosport, added: 'The whole thing is downright cruel.'
But the county council has defended its relocation plan for the badgers.
Council leader Ken Thornber said the authority was adhering to Natural England's guidance and working closely with wildlife specialists.
He added: 'We are aware the setts have been tampered with and would like to stress that people who interfere with these gates are doing so illegally.
'We have done a great deal to protect and safeguard the wildlife in the area, and would ask that people leave the badger setts alone now to allow the badgers to relocate to their new setts, which are showing signs of being used.'
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Friday 25 May 2012
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