Sean's Wild Life
The badger cull debate!
I sat down to chat about this controversial and often emotive topic with the President of the British Veterinary Association, James Russell and CEO of the Badger Trust, Dominic Dyer. We explored the issues surrounding the eradication of bovine TB, a disease of cattle which also affects wildlife species, most notably the badger. And we tackle the logic, pros and cons of the government's badger cull strategy as part of the plan to eradicate this disease.
It's illuminating and at times a little heated, but Dominic and James do a sterling job of setting out the issues, respectfully debating the finer points and making a very complex topic more clear. As we all agree at the end, it's vital to talk and come together from both sides of the debate. The all too common 'them Vs us' attitude that often crops up where difficult conservation or animal welfare issues arise can do more harm than good.
I'm very grateful to have had them both on as guests, coming together to bring clarity and explore the middle ground in such a divisive topic.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose. Production costs are self funded by Sean McCormack, but donations to fund future episodes are welcome on Acast Supporter here: http://supporter.acast.com/seans-wild-life or at www.patreon.com/seanswildlife.
Cover photo by Billy Heaney.